Gillingham could face Brentford, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Fulham or Watford in round two of the Carabao Cup
Published: 05:00, 10 August 2022
Updated: 07:53, 10 August 2022
Gillingham boss Neil Harris is eyeing home comforts after his side overcame Wimbledon in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The draw for round two takes place on Wednesday night and ties are set to be played on week commencing August 22, meaning a busy period for Neil Harris’ slender squad.
Gillingham are at Tranmere on Saturday, face Harrogate at home on Tuesday (August 16), host Walsall on the 20th and now await a midweek opposition after that in the Carabao Cup.
Thirteen Premier League clubs enter at the second-round stage, which is regionalised. The Gills could be up against top-flight sides such as Crystal Palace, Southampton, Brentford or Fulham. Championship side Watford also come into the draw, a side they beat in the competition in 2016.
Tuesday night was a tough one for many teams in the Championship, with 11 second-tier sides beaten. Charlton Athletic were among the successful League 1 teams, knocking out QPR on penalties. It means plenty of lower-league teams also remain in the competition.
When asked who he fancied, Gills boss Harris said: “I would rather play at home than travel anywhere but I am not fussed.
“We would rather concentrate on the league if I am honest and play as few a games as possible.
“We have a tight squad. The importance is the league and we’ll focus on Saturday (at Tranmere) now.”
The second-round draw takes place tonight (Wednesday) after the tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland.
Southern section teams already through to round two include Steve Evans’ Stevenage, Norwich City and Portsmouth. Lesser fancied teams in the draw include League 1 Exeter City who beat Cheltenham Town 7-0 away in the opening round.
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Luke Cawdell