Max Ehmer is no stranger to big games against Sheffield United and has already run them close once before in the FA Cup.
Ehmer was playing for Bristol Rovers in the 2020/21 season when Sheffield United visited the Memorial Stadium and went away 3-2 winners after a thrilling match. Ehmer scored that day. Like now, the Blades were then bottom of the Premier League and looking for a lift.
There’s been some memorable wins too. Gillingham’s experienced defender was in the Gillingham side that thumped the Blades 4-0 on the opening game of the 2015 season – having previously enjoyed the same scoreline against them while at Yeovil Town.
He got an assist in a 2-0 win over the Yorkshire side at Priestfield in 2014 – then partnering Blades’ injured captain John Egan at the back for the Gills.
Ehmer will be looking forward to giving them something to think about once again – albeit in a match that now sees the two teams playing at very different levels.
“There has always been an extra little buzz when you play against those bigger teams,” he said.
“With a sell-out here, and the fans we’ve got, it should be a great atmosphere.
“We all know it will be tougher than a league game, but it is just another game where we’ll be looking to progress through.
“I remember scoring against them for Bristol Rovers. It was a good game – the FA Cup always provides good games and this one should be exciting.
“It will be a similar kind of occasion.
“We showed in the last game against Charlton (beating the League 1 side 2-0 in round two) and Southampton (winning 3-1 in the League Cup) that we have a lot of confidence in the group.
“When big teams come here we have to make it horrible for them. We’ll have a game with a plan, 11 v 11, and we’ll do our best to get a result. It’s a sell out, so we’re really excited and we have to give the fans something to shout about.
“We have been on a good run (winning the last two games) and we are looking to take that confidence into this game. We will be going into the game positive but we still have to respect them because they are a Premier League team.”
Ehmer has enjoyed a positive return to the side after winning his place back in the centre of defence. For a player who has pulled on the Gills shirt close to 400 times, it was an unusual experience to be sitting it out.
But since returning, the Gills have been tougher to beat.
“I am not sure it is down to me, it is a team thing,” he said.
“Every player want to play but there are only 11 spots up for grabs. It was tough but you have to keep yourself going, train hard and wait for the opportunity to come back in.”
The Gills have kept five clean sheets from their last seven games.
Emher said: “As a defender, that is what you pride yourself on and we’re happy with it. We have to keep it going. More goals at the other end of the pitch and we should be well on our way.
“We are creating a lot of chance and sooner rather than later they will go in the back of the net. We need to keep creating and keep being positive when we have those chances.”
