Chelsea begin their EFL campaign when they host AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge. The visitors of the Blues have already pulled off a significant upset in the competition by eliminating Coventry City in round one, while the Blues are entering the knockout tournament in the second round.
Preview (Chelsea vs. AFC Wimbledon)
Chelsea is making history this week in the EFL Cup by competing in the second round for the first time since the 2016–17 season due to their humiliating 12th-place result in the 2022–23 Premier League season. In an effort to secure round three, Pochettino finally made his imprint as Chelsea’s head coach on Friday night. Luton Town put up a fight at Stamford Bridge but ultimately fell victim to a brilliant performance from Raheem Sterling.
Before Nicolas Jackson scored for Chelsea in a 3-0 victory, the England winger caused the net to tremble twice. The Blues are now trying to avoid suffering their first EFL Cup loss at Stamford Bridge since the pre-COVID days. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. Wimbledon, unlike Chelsea, can boast that they haven’t lost a game thus far in the 2023–24 season. They were prevented from winning three straight games when recently relegated Forest Green Rovers visited.
James Ball’s header 10 minutes before halftime put Wimbledon ahead. Experienced forward Troy Deeney equalized for the visitors 15 minutes before the end. Johnnie Jackson’s team might have felt aggrieved to have lost their slim lead late on. This week’s visitors to Stamford Bridge can take heart from their successful start to the 2023–24 season. The unbeaten Dons are currently occupying a playoff spot in the League Two table.
With an injury-time winner from Ryan McLean, Wimbledon defeated last year’s Championship playoff runners-up Coventry City 2-1 to advance to the second round of the EFL Cup for just the third time in club history. This accomplishment came amid their strong fourth-tier campaign.
Team News
Djordje Petrovic, Chelsea’s newest addition who joined from the New England Revolution to improve the Blues’ goalkeeping department, saw Chelsea’s three-goal victory over Luton Town. Despite rumors of a potential loan move to Manchester United, players like Diego Moreira, Ian Maatsen, Noni Madueke, Bashir Humphreys, and Marc Cucurella should be given the chance to shine. Petrovic may be one of several changes that Pochettino must make.
However, Romeo Lavia is unlikely to make his Chelsea bow until after the international break, while Armando Broja (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Reece James (thigh) and Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) also occupy beds in a full-capacity treatment room, and it remains to be seen if Mykhaylo Mudryk can shake off a niggle to make himself available.
The Dons will likely have to manage without their captain for the second round as Reeves joins defenders Huseyin Biler (hamstring) and Paul Kalambayi (knee) on the injured list. Armani’s situation is less certain. Ball, who replaced Reeves at the weekend, made an impression and should be a direct substitute. Harry Pell is available in case Little is unable to make the team.
Chelsea 4 – 0 AFC Wimbledon
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