Portsmouth expect Gillingham to raise their game - regardless of crowd size
The Blues start their Checkatrade Trophy campaign against Steve Lovell's side tonight (7.45pm).Â
The competition is much-maligned by the majority of the Fratton faithful, with many choosing to boycott the games in protest.
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Hide AdLast season, crowds for group-stage matches against Fulham under-21s and Crawley were barely more than 1,500 apiece.
Nevertheless, it's a game Gallen insists Pompey are taking seriously.
And although he's unsure if the Gills will ring the changes, the assistant manager believes it will be a good test for the Blues.
'˜Any team coming to Fratton Park raise their game '“Â in front of a huge crowd or in front of a small crowd,' said Gallen.Â
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Hide Ad'˜Gillingham have got some good players and are a very established League One side.
'˜Tom Eaves scores goals and has always been a handful for defences in League One and League Two.
'˜(They have) Max Ehmer and Josh Parker '“ there is a list of recognisable players we are going to come up against.
'˜Maybe they are going to make some changes, maybe they're not going to make some changes. Who knows?
'˜But we're going to put out a strong side ourselves and are looking for a good performance and a win.'