Phil Parkinson will aim to extend his four-game unbeaten run to Red Dragons when they take on Gillingham in Sky Bet League Two tomorrow.
The Reds picked up a point against MK Dons in midweek and continued their winning streak against Sutton United and Notts County.
The two teams met at SToK Cae Ras and early goals from Ollie Palmer and Ben Tozer secured the three points against the Gills.
Tomorrow’s hosts will be looking for their first win in three competitions, and Parkinson believes it will be another competitive battle.
He said: “There are a lot of teams in the play-offs, it’s a very tough division and Gillingham clearly still have a big chance.”
“They have been playing 3-5-2 recently and had a good result against Stockport County on Tuesday, beating Notts County.
“They started the season very well. They are top of the league after four games and they have some good players.
“As with all games, it will be a competitive game. The players have recovered well from Tuesday and it’s another great opportunity for us and we’re really looking forward to it.”
It will be the sixth game at Priestfield Stadium so far this month and recovery has been central to preparations.
The Parkinson’s team has seven points in five games, and the players are taking advantage of the team’s tight schedule.
It’s been a relentless period for the Red Dragons, but Parkinson explained the recovery process.
He said: “The players who played on Tuesday went to the pool and used a cryotherapy machine the day before the game as part of their recovery.
“At this stage of the season, each game presents a different kind of challenge tactically, but a lot of it is about giving our players the best chance to play with the energy we have needed in recent weeks.
“From Tuesday there are no new injury concerns, which is good, and obviously we will be without Will Boyle, who is suspended.
“We’ve had a chance to look at Gillingham as a team and we’ve had a chance to look at our own team and see who’s ready to go again, so we’ll pick our squad accordingly.”
The Reds will be without George Evans and James Jones due to injury in tomorrow’s match.
Evans was substituted late in the win against Sutton United and Jones was substituted in last weekend’s win over the Magpies.
Both midfielders have performed well so far this season and Parkinson confirmed both players will undergo re-tests in the coming weeks.
he said: “Both will be rescanned. James early next week and George the week after.
“Then a second scan will give us more accurate information as to where both are, but it certainly won’t be available this weekend.
One advantage his team has seen is that new signings Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott both started.
Marriott, who arrived from Fleetwood Town on deadline day, strengthened the already attacking quartet Parkinson had assembled.
Paul Mullin, Stephen Fletcher, Ollie Palmer and Sam Dolby all made an impact that season, and Parkinson added that it was important to have a variety of options.
He said: “Strikers are key to a team’s success and it’s important to have those options when the games get intense.”
“The bench is very important. As a staff, we have a plan for what to do whether we win, draw, or lose.
“We will choose a strong team tomorrow, but we will also look to the bench to bring freshness if needed.”