Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon - Carabao Cup: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction
- Mauricio Pochettino secured first win as Chelsea boss against Luton
- Blues are in Carabao Cup second round action
- League 2 side AFC Wimbledon visit Stamford Bridge
Chelsea's continental absence this season means they'll be joining the Carabao Cup in the second round, and they're playing host to AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
After taking a solitary point from his first two Premier League games in charge, Mauricio Pochettino oversaw a 3-0 victory against newly promoted Luton on Friday. Raheem Sterling was in majestic form as he scored twice for the Blues, while summer signing Nicolas Jackson also bagged his first goal.
The new manager's focus now shifts to the competition that many top sides consider an afterthought, but it may well be Poch's best chance of claiming some silverware during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
The draw has been kind to the Blues, and here's 90min's preview of their Carabao Cup second-round tie against League 2 outfit AFC Wimbledon.
Where are Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon playing?
- Location: London, England
- Stadium: Stamford Bridge
- Date: Wednesday 30 August
- Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST / 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT
- Referee: Tony Harrington
Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon H2H record (last five games)
This is the first meeting between these clubs. Chelsea last faced Wimbledon FC, the club that controversially became MK Dons, in the Premier League in 2000.
Current form (last five competitive games)
- Chelsea: WLDDL
- Wimbledon: DWWDW
How to watch Chelsea vs Luton on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/radio |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | talkSPORT 2 (radio) |
United States | N/A |
Canada | N/A |
Chelsea team news
Pochettino will rotate heavily for Wednesday night's cup clash, with several academy stars poised for rare starts.
Recent arrival Djordje Petrovic could make this Chelsea debut between the sticks, while the likes of Ian Maatsen and Diego Moreira are in contention to make Poch's starting XI.
The Blues boss is without a whole host of stars due to injury, with Romeo Lavia, Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Reece James, and Christopher Nkunku all currently on the sidelines.
Record-signing Moises Caicedo could retain his place in a bid to get more minutes under his belt.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs AFC Wimbledon
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Wimbledon (3-4-2-1): Petrovic; Humphreys, Colwill, Cucurella; Gusto, Ugochukwu, Caicedo, Maatsen; Madueke, Burstow, Moreira.
AFC Wimbledon team news
The visitors were dealt a pretty significant double injury blow at the weekend in their draw with Forest Green as captain Jake Reeves and Armani Little were forced off. Both are doubts for Wednesday's cup game. James Ball and Harry Pell will likely replace the aforementioned pair in midfield if they're not deemed fit. Defenders Paul Kalambayi and Huseyin Biler are also sidelined.
AFC Wimbledon predicted lineup vs Chelsea
Wimbledon predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-4-2): Tzanev; Ogundere, Lewis, Johnson, Brown; Tilley, Ball, Pell, McLean; Al-Hamadi, Bugiel
Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon score prediction
Chelsea are going to give opportunities to youngsters and fringe players on Wednesday, but they shouldn't have any trouble bypassing Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
While the League Two side have started the season unbeaten, this is simply too big a step up for the visitors. Chelsea's XI will be full of players with a point to prove.
Thus, the hosts should enjoy a comfortable victory and sail into the third round.