Queens Park Rangers head into Tuesday's EFL Cup first round tie with Cambridge United looking to bounce back from a disappointing start in the Championship.
The same can be said for Cambridge in League One, a scenario being created where both teams will be taking this game more seriously than perhaps initially envisaged.
Match preview
Having ended last season so strongly, QPR were arguably the favourites when they welcomed West Bromwich Albion to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
However, despite taking an early lead, the West Londoners were beaten 3-1 by one of the 2023-24 playoff semi-finalists, Josh Maja netting a hat-trick.
While Marti Cifuentes will not over-react to the defeat, the manner of it was probably unforeseen, and it can only sharpen focus ahead of this contest.
With a trip to Sheffield United on Saturday, the Hoops' start to the campaign gets no easier, and there will be a desire to get more players up to speed here.
Many of the new signings were only named as substitutes against the Baggies, the expectation being that they could be thrown into the first XI here.
Despite failing to win any of their last six games of the season, Cambridge were able to remain as a third-tier side for at least another 12 months.
Garry Monk has been kept in the dugout, yet the pressure feels on the former defender who has now only won two of his 12 matches in charge.
The latest of six defeats came at the weekend as Cambridge lost 2-0 at Stockport County, Louie Barry's wonder-goal setting the League Two champions on their way in the fifth minute.
Although that could very much prove to be one of the toughest fixtures of the season out the way, Monk will be demanding more from his side as Cambridge attempt to post their first competitive victory since April 1.
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Team News
Taylor Richards would have hoped to start for Cambridge here, only to be denied that possibility through QPR being his parent club.
Monk will make a number of changes, though, with Liam Bennett and Michael Morrison expected to come into the backline and Paul Digby the midfield.
Young forward Dan Barton may also be given the opportunity to start down the middle of the attack.
Hevertton Santos, Jonathan Varane and Daniel Bennie are all in line to be handed their first starts for QPR.
However, with Lyndon Dykes being given no game time at the weekend after recovering from injury, Cifuentes may keep the Scotland international among the replacements.
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Reyes; Bennett, Morrison, Watts, Andrew; Digby, Smith, Brophy; Kachunga; Kaikai, Barton
Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:
Wales; Santos, Dunne, Clarke-Salter, Paal; Field, Varane; Smyth, Andersen, Bennie; Frey
We say: Cambridge United 1-2 Queens Park Rangers
With fewer changes potentially being made to each team, QPR should probably come through this contest with a win. However, we expect the home team to push them all the way in a game which could feature goals during the latter stages.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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