Gillingham vs Cambridge United prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
EFL Trophy England
On September 22, 2026, the first round of the EFL Trophy will feature a clash between Gillingham and Cambridge United. The visitors have a good chance to make a winning start to the tournament.
Gillingham vs Cambridge United: team news and expert analysis
The club from Priestfield Stadium finished only 17th in League Two last season, collecting 53 points. This season, they opened with a 0-3 defeat to Luton in the League Cup, while their first league win did not arrive until September. Since then, however, they have claimed maximum points against both Tranmere Rovers and Bristol City.
Cambridge's side also played in the country's fourth tier in 2025/2026. They finished third and earned promotion to League One. They have made a solid start there, losing only to Huddersfield in the opening rounds — while also falling to Millwall in their second League Cup fixture. However, their most recent league match against Oxford United ended in a draw.
Ainsworth's men average 1.57 goals scored and 0.86 conceded per match. The newcomers to the third tier, meanwhile, have scored 1.71 goals per game and conceded 1.43.
Previous meetings: Gillingham vs Cambridge United
The clubs met last season after a three-year break, with Cambridge taking four points from a possible six.
The hosts are given a slight edge, but the visitors have weapons of their own — making the “both teams to score” option an appealing choice (odds – 1.61).
Gillingham vs Cambridge United: key statistics and trends
- Gillingham have won three matches in a row
- 43% of Gillingham's matches have ended with both teams scoring, while the average total goals per match is 2.43
- Cambridge United have won two of their last four matches
- 100% of Cambridge United's matches have ended with both teams scoring, while the average total goals per match is 3.14
Gillingham vs Cambridge United: possible starting line-ups
Gillingham play in a 1-3-1-4-2 formation (possible line-up): Wright - Dobbs, Beckles, Smith - Waldock, Brophy, McManus, Freeman - O'Brien - Hake, Goodwin
Cambridge United play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible line-up): Eastwood - Perry, Watts, Heffernan - Bradshaw, Moxon, Ball, Bennett - Heath, Knight - Gassan
Keep an eye on the EFL Trophy table and find out about your team's form before betting on the next match
