Gillingham assistant coach Robbie Stockdale looks ahead to their FA Cup third round match against Sheffield United

Gillingham will be hoping an upturn in league form gives them a helping hand when they face Premier League opposition this weekend.

The Gills take a break from their League 2 campaign on Saturday when they welcome Sheffield United to Priestfield in the FA Cup Third Round.

While Gillingham have found some success in the league with back-to-back 1-0 victories post-Christmas, the Blades are finding life tough in the top tier, sitting bottom of the pile with just two wins all season.

A positive mindset could aid the Gills - and it’s one thing in their arsenal that might help spring a surprise in what is still a daunting task.

Assistant coach Robbie Stockdale spelt out the challenge they face.

“We are going to have to be at our absolute maximum and hope that have a bit of an off-day,” said the 44-year-old, who has previously worked in the top-flight at Sunderland.

“I know having worked in the Premier League that the levels are so high, ridiculous levels to be working at.

“They are a Premier League team with Premier League players so of course we are going to have to make it really uncomfortable for them.

“We are going to have to be aggressive in our duels and our challenges and, don’t forget, we can play a little bit as well and we will see what happens.

“Winning does give confidence. We have been fairly positive with them, no matter what the results. We see signs that things are coming together how we see it, but I would be foolish to say that winning doesn’t help to breed that confidence.

“I am really looking forward to it. The FA Cup does feel different, it’s almost like the shackles are off and it’s ‘come on boys, show us what you can do’.”

While the Blades are straight in at the Third Round stage, the Gills have seen off