Gillingham 1 - 3 Blackburn Rovers

Gillingham v Blackburn Rovers: Preview

Updated: August 24, 2009, 3:17 PM UK

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson is set to make changes to his starting line-up when Blackburn visit in the Carling Cup.

The Gills have lost their last three games since beating Championship side Plymouth in the first round, and Stimson is to shake up his side in the wake of Saturday`s disappointing showing against Hartlepool.

There will definitely be a change in goal where Simon Royce will replace Alan Julian, having been brought on at half-time against Pools in a tactical change.

Forward Dennis Oli came off the bench to make his first appearance of the season on Saturday following a knee injury and Stimson has hinted that he will play the full 90 minutes, while Kevin Maher will also be hoping to earn a start in the heart of midfield.

Centre-back Josh Gowling will keep his place after extending his loan spell from Carlisle for a further month, while striker Mark McCammon, winger Chris Palmer and midfielder Rashid Yussuff could also be in contention for starting spots.

Midfielder Stuart Lewis and centre-back Simon King are both still some way away from returning after ruptured ankle ligaments, while former Gills keeper Jason Brown will make his first return to the club where he made more than 130 appearances.

An injury crisis at Blackburn means manager Sam Allardyce will not be resting many of his first team players for the tie.

Injuries to defenders Ryan Nelsen (knee) and Chris Samba (heel) mean Stephen Warnock returns to the squad having been dropped at the weekend after becoming distracted by a bid from Aston Villa, although that could change should the clubs reach an agreement.

On-loan forward Franco Di Santo is sidelined with a hamstring injury while striker Benni McCarthy has an ankle problem which may keep him out, meaning new signing Nikola Kalinic is set for another appearance.

Midfielders Brett Emerton, Vince Grella and David Dunn could all play some part after injury but are not fight enough for 90 minutes.

"We will have to go with what we have got and we haven't got a lot at the moment,'' said Allardyce, whose side have lost their opening two Barclays Premier League matches.

"It shows the value of a squad because at the moment we are down to the bare bones but the bottom line will be about the players' mental attitude.

"The players we select will all be good enough to beat a Gillingham side that have started well and are very organised.

"They (Gillingham) will play above themselves because they will want a Premier League scalp so the players have to get the mental attitude right and if they don't they will get embarrassed.''