Cambridge United aim to use Tuesday's EFL Trophy group stage match at Gillingham to build momentum for their League One campaign. The U's travel to Priestfield Stadium off the back of a 1-1 draw at Oxford United last weekend, a result that kept them fifth in the table with 12 points from seven games.
Their recent form shows two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five outings. Ben Knight scored the equaliser at Oxford, his 57th-minute strike assisted by Dominic Ball. Before that, a 2-1 home win over Reading featured goals from Liam Bennett and Kelland Watts.
Gillingham present a tough test, having won their last three matches in all competitions, including a 3-0 home victory over Bristol Rovers. The hosts are likely to field a similar side to the 3-4-2-1 formation used in that game.
Cambridge manager Mark Bonner is expected to rotate his squad for the Trophy fixture, offering minutes to players who have seen less action recently. The team's primary focus remains on the league, where they sit just three points behind leaders Bradford. A positive performance in Kent could provide a useful boost ahead of Saturday's home League One fixture against AFC Wimbledon.
The match kicks off at 18:00 UTC on Tuesday, 22 September.
