Gillingham v Oxford United

GILLINGHAM manager Neale Cooper may take the opportunity to try out new faces during tonight’s Carling Cup match against Oxford.

Cooper has been reluctant to make changes to his line-up during the club’s unbeaten start to their League 1 campaign, but may use the first round clash as a good chance to rest several players.

Recent arrivals Paul Shields, Moses Ashikodi and Brent Sancho will all be hoping to make their first starts for the club, as will first year pro Mark Corneille.

Darren Byfield is again available after sitting out a one-game suspension, while Tony Bullock (foot), Tom Williams (ankle) and Mark Saunders (leg) remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Cooper is also hopeful of signing Inverness striker Steve Hislop, who he worked with at Ross County, ahead of the game.

Gillingham will be hoping their is no repeat of last season’s humiliating 2-1 first round defeat, which was dished out by League 2 side Northampton Town.

Kick-off at Priestfield tonight is at 7.45pm with tickets available at £10 for adults, £8 senior citizens/students and £5 for juniors.