- League positions: Gillingham were 17th in League Two with 53 points last season, while Luton finished 7th in League One with approximately 74 points.
- Last meeting: Luton won the last competitive meeting between the two sides 3-2 in the 2023 Carabao Cup.
- Pre-season: Gillingham lost 0-2 to Luton in pre-season at the end of last month.
Luton will have a lot of chances against Gillingham
Luton Town come into this EFL Cup first-round game as the clear favorites at 1.69, although Gillingham are coming in at a respectable 4.8, with the draw 3.7. The market can't quite make up its mind about this matchup at MEMS Priestfield, but it seems clear that the goals are the play here, Over 2.5, at 1.83, and Both Teams To Score is similarly tough, Yes 1.8, No 1.95.
Luton have a superior head-to-head record overall and won the 2023 edition of this tournament 3-2 when the two last met. Gillingham lost their last pre-season friendly against Luton 2-0, and with the Hatters playing some great soccer in the summer, the Gills have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Gillingham will try to disrupt Luton’s rhythm
How Luton play
Jack Wilshere has certainly found a formula that works for Luton, as the Hatters are a structured side that plays a lot of possession-based soccer, but they also have some width and are incredibly dangerous when they get the ball in behind. Luton have scored four goals and created numerous chances in the last couple of games and there is nothing to suggest that this should be any different.
Gillingham's approach
Gillingham are a compact, direct and hard-working team that will do their utmost to disrupt the visitors' rhythm. They will pressure the ball, look for set-piece opportunities and have enough pace to win their share of the game on the break. It's a recipe that has served them well over the past few years, but it doesn't always translate to wins.
Form and results
Gillingham finished 17th in the league last season, while Luton were 7th, so there is a pretty clear gulf in class between the sides. In pre-season, Gillingham beat Ebbsfleet 2-1, then Shrewsbury 1-0, before going on a rough patch of 6-2 loss at Barnet, a 1-4 defeat to Grimsby and a 1-2 defeat at Cheltenham.
Luton should have enough to get past the Gills
Luton's last five matches in 2025-26 have gone: 5-0 at Hitchin, 2-2 at Barnet, 3-2 at Bolton, 2-1 over Barnsley and 2-0 at Rotherham. Luton will arrive in Kent, sharp and full of momentum.
Luton to Win makes the most appeal, and the most likely score line is probably either 1-0 or 2-0 to the away side as it satisfies both the odds and the anticipated script of the match.
- Joe Gbode is the sharpest spark in Gillingham's ranks, but Jordan Clark is Luton's livewire and he was their most reliable attacking outlet in 2025-26.
- Gideon Kodua can provide bite between the lines for the visitors, while Nahki Wells brings a veteran presence and proven record of match-winning moments off the bench.
