The opportunity to progress to the Quarter Finals of the Carabao Cup lays before Gillingham this evening as they head to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Making that next step against the Premier League opposition looks a daunting task for Neil Harris’ side, especially seeing as they go into the game sitting rock bottom in League Two.

With Wolves sitting bottom of the Premier League and Gillingham likewise in League Two, there are 72 places separating the clubs in the English football pyramid.

While Wolves are the clear favourites to prevail at Molineux this evening, the West Midlands outfit have not participated in a competitive fixture since November 12th.

Furthermore, Lopetegui will be taking charge of his first official game having been appointed as the replacement for Bruno Lage.

The former Sevilla boss has recently taken a look at his new squad in friendlies against Empoli and Cadiz in Marbella, Wolves being held to a 1-1 draw in the first game before emerging victorious by a 4-3 scoreline in the second.

Nevertheless, even with returning Portuguese trio Jose Sa, Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes at his disposal, Lopetegui has stressed that his side cannot afford any complacency versus their upcoming opponents.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Lopetegui said: “They beat Brentford and it is the cup so they are a dangerous team.”

“Lots of things can happen in the cup. We know the way they usually play. We have to be ready. They are very clear about how they want to play.”

As well as beating Brentford on penalties in this competition, Gillingham have also recently progressed through to the third round of the FA Cup.

However, Neil Harris’ side have not defeated a team competing in League Two or higher in normal time since October 1st, their victories in the FA Cup coming against non-league opposition in AFC Fylde and Dagenham & Redbridge.

Gillingham have also not won away from home in normal time in any competition since August 9th.

Harris clearly has the priority of the league, but the cups have been a great distraction for a Gillingham side that have flattered to deceive this season.

Winning tonight will be a major boost both for confidence and financially, but could also prove to be a long term distraction for a Gillingham side that need to start winning in the league and fast.

Whoever Harris decides to start with this evening, Gillingham will come under intense pressure from a Wolves side that have a lot to prove themselves and to a new manager.

Defender Elkan Baggott is available having chosen not to join up with the Indonesian national side with Harris having an almost fully fit squad in which to choose from.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.