Gareth Ainsworth looks ahead as Gillingham host AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth hopes to maintain their momentum as they welcome AFC Wimbledon to Priestfield in the Carabao Cup.

The Gills take on League 1 opposition in the first round of the League Cup competition.

Ainsworth has taken his unbeaten run since taking charge of Gillingham to 11 games in League 2 and will be going strong against the Dons in a bid to continue that form.

“I want to be strong in this game,” said Ainsworth.

“Momentum is really important in football. You don't want to lose a game.

“I certainly don't want to lose a game on Tuesday and I'll be firing on all cylinders.

“We'll be strong Tuesday. We'll be going for the win.

“It's nice to have Wimbledon, a team that we know well from last season. They're a very good side.

“I have a lot of respect for them. It’s one of my former clubs and I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against them.”

The Gills are set to be without defender Conor Masterson (calf) for several weeks while Aaron Rowe, Seb Palmer-Houlden and Sam Vokes still haven’t made an appearance this season.

Ainsworth could give Saturday’s match-winner Bradley Dack a rest. Jonny Williams was an unused substitute at the weekend and an ideal replacement.

Midfielder Nelson Khumbeni and goalkeeper Jack Turner haven’t seen much action but Ainsworth has sent his group of young fringe players out on loan.

Jack Nolan hasn’t featured since the start of the season, neither has left-back Lenni Cirino.

Ainsworth has spoken of the hectic schedule they face at the start of the season but he’d still love a cup run.

He said: “As a player, I loved playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

“As a player, you don't like training too much because training can be boring. Training is going over the same