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). 

The competition is much-maligned by the majority of the Fratton faithful, with many choosing to boycott the games in protest.

Last 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 '“ in front of a huge crowd or in front of a small crowd,' said Gallen. 

'˜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.'