The next stop on the road to Wembley takes Bristol Rovers to the JobServe Community Stadium on Wednesday evening, when they will face League Two strugglers Colchester United in the second round of the EFL Trophy.
Joey Barton's side have been in good form of late without always getting the results they deserve, but they have been buoyed by Saturday's commanding win over League One promotion hopefuls Peterborough United.
With changes in the offing for tonight's game in Essex, he has urged his fringe players to build on the momentum gained at the weekend, and they could be boosted by the return of Ryan Loft from injury. Here is how the Gas could line up at Colchester this evening...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
Anssi Jaakkola has started all three games so far in this competition and the backup goalkeeper is likely to get another chance between the sticks, with James Belshaw given the night off, although he will be on the bench in case he is required.
A back three started on Saturday, but with the Gas likely to dominate the ball on Wednesday it could be a back four.
James Gibbons played just a few minutes as a substitute against Peterborough and he is in contention to start at right-back at Colchester. Trevor Clarke should get a chance to start on the left, with Lewis Gordon given a rest after making 14 consecutive starts in the league.
In the middle, Alfie Kilgour would be hopeful of a start after sitting out the past eight games. Alongside him could be Bobby Thomas, who would be the only man in the defence to retain his starting place. With the recent injury issues for Lewis Gibson and James Connolly, Barton will be eager to give them the night off if possible, meaning Thomas could continue his run in the side.
Luca Hoole could also be involved after being left out of the squad for the Peterborough win.
Midfield
Rovers' midfield has been excellent in recent weeks, but it could be completely changed for Wednesday's game. Sam Finley, Jordan Rossiter and Antony Evans are vital to the Gas' league fortunes, so Barton will be tempted to give them as much rest as possible.
Some, if not all, will drop to the bench, with Luke McCormick a near certainty to get a start. He was excellent in the win over Swindon Town earlier in this competition and he will hope to stake a claim for a league start in the near future.
Glenn Whelan could have been an option for the manager, but he is suspended after his red card against Crystal Palace under-21s in the group stages, meaning Sam Finley may be required to start. The stand-in captain has been excellent in the absence of Paul Coutts through injury, and if he does start on Wednesday, the manager will want him to be on the pitch for only as long as is needed.
Zain Westbrooke could be the man to complete the midfield trio. He started the opening league game of the season, but his only two appearances since have come in the EFL Trophy.
Rossiter and Evans should make the bench, while Jerry Lawrence could be unavailable after his loan club Salisbury played in the Southern League on Tuesday evening.
Attack
The frontline has been a real strength for the Gas this season and Barton may take up the chance to rotate on the frontline. If Ryan Loft is deemed fit to start after missing four games with a hamstring injury, he will be in the XI, but it seems more likely he will be eased back into action by taking a place on the bench.
If that is the case, and you have to remember there's no reason why Barton should risk the targetman, John Marquis and Harvey Saunders will be included, with one of star duo Josh Coburn or Aaron Collins likely needed to fill the starting line-up. Given Coburn's injury troubles earlier in the season, Collins could be the man for that job, although the Gas may be hesitant to risk their prized asset.
Rovers (4-3-3): Anssi Jaakkola; James Gibbons, Alfie Kilgour, Bobby Thomas, Trevor Clarke; Sam Finley (c), Luke McCormick, Zain Westbrooke; Harvey Saunders, John Marquis, Aaron Collins.
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