This season has delivered a plethora of ups and downs for Gillingham but they are showing signs of a resurgence at the Priestfield Stadium under new boss Neil Harris.
They arrive at the Eco-Power Stadium this weekend sitting 22nd in Sky Bet League One with 30 points from 36 games and a point ahead of Rovers, having played one match fewer. The Gills have won six league matches compared to Rovers’ eight.
Away from the Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham have won just twice, including a 2-0 victory at Lincoln City a fortnight ago. Their only other triumph on the road came at Cambridge United in September, with their record standing at seven draws and eight defeats.
Harris’ arrival as manager in late January instigated an upturn in form and Gillingham have picked up three wins and two draws in his eight matches in charge so far.
In goalscoring terms, Gillingham have netted 28 times in the league – which is the joint fewest alongside Rovers. Their defensive record is the best of the current bottom four sides in the division with 58 conceded.
When they do hit scoring form in a game however, it does not guarantee wins. Having scored two or more goals on seven occasions this term, they have converted that into just three wins.
They have been shut out on 17 occasions this season, including four goalless draws. The Gills themselves have kept ten clean sheets from 43 matches across all competitions, with two coming in their last three matches.
Under Harris, their defensive record has improved significantly. In his eight matches, the Gills have conceded seven goals and kept four clean sheets.
His first month brought 11 points from 18 available and earned him a nomination for manager of the month for February.
Since renewing acquaintances on a regular basis in the 2014/15 season, Gillingham have had the upper hand over Rovers in head to head results.
The Gills have won five of the last 14 meetings with seven draws to just two Rovers triumphs. This run has further bolstered their overall strong record against Rovers which stands at 35 wins and 20 draws from 69 matches.
At the Eco-Power Stadium, Gillingham have won just once in seven visits but have picked up four points.
They were 1-0 victors over Rovers in the reverse fixture in October with striker Vadaine Oliver scoring the only goal of the game.