They’re a team of giants! Three Gillingham stars to watch out for in Sunderland’s game tonight

Tom Eaves

League One games/goals: 29/15

It can be said without a doubt that the huge striker is Gillingham’s most important player, and is a name many on Wearside will be aware of after his impressive performance against us at Priestfield and subsequent links during the January transfer window.

After a fairly nomadic career, Eaves has came into his own at Gillingham and has already almost matched his tally of seventeen goals from last term, all whilst Steve Lovell’s side struggle around the relegation places.

At 6’5 he’s an absolute monster, and having already notched against the Lads once this year he’ll be a huge test for our central defenders, who have struggled this term against far weaker target men than the 27-year-old.

With his contract due up at the end of the season and a host of clubs looking into obtaining him once he becomes available for nothing, he’ll be keen to impress at the Stadium of Light.

Tomas Holy

League One appearances/clean sheets: 32/8

If you think Tom Eaves is big, just wait until you see all 6ft9 of this guy!

After joining the club from Sparta Prague in January 2017, the giant ‘keeper has been in outstanding form and has all the hallmarks of a goalkeeper able to ply his trade above League One - as showcased by the fact he was linked to Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the summer.

Signed originally as a number two, it didn’t take long for Holy to oust regular number one Stuart Nelson. He’s got a solid kick on him, is a commanding presence in the box and is a superb shot stopper.

Another who’s contract is due up at the end of the season, the goalkeeper will be a tough cookie to get past - Will Grigg will have to be at his lethal best.

Max Ehmer

League One appearances/goals: 26/1

The big German defender was a product of Queen’s Park Ranger’s youth academy and has been a key part of Gillingham’s defence since first joining on loan in 2015.

Although later ousted by defensive partner Gabriel Zakuani as captain, the Frankfurt born defender was club captain at The Gills for a period, with former manager Adrian Pinnock praising Ehmer’s attitude.

Although Zakuani later took that role, he is still held in high regard by current manager Steve Lovell, who rewarded his form with a new two-year-contract last March.

Like many of the Gillingham team, he’s a big lad and is a definite danger with his head and his feet from set pieces as showcased by the 88th minute goal he scored this term against Doncaster as seen in the video below. His tally of ten goals in three years is not a bad return for any defender.

Alongside Gillingham’s other giants, he’s another we’ll need to keep a close eye on.