Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon

Stamford Bridge forms the backdrop for a first-ever competitive meeting between Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon, with the two sides facing off against each other in the League Cup second round.

Mauricio Pochettino’s return to the Premier League after four years to take charge of Chelsea has been off to a dismal start, with the ‘Blues’ drawing 1-1 against Liverpool on the Argentine’s touchline debut before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat to cross-town rivals West Ham. However, Poch got his managerial tenure off and running with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Premier League newcomers Luton Town last weekend, setting his side up nicely for Wimbledon’s visit to the Bridge. Chelsea would feel safe and sound in West London in other circumstances, yet after only managing one win in their last ten home outings across all competitions (D5, L4), they could be a bit skeptical. But a substantial gulf in class should help the ‘Pensioners’ move a step closer to winning their first League Cup title since 2014/15.

On the other hand, Wimbledon’s first season in League Two since 2015/16 following last season’s relegation from League One has proved plain sailing thus far, with Johnnie Jackson’s side going unbeaten in all five league fixtures (W2, D3). Yet, entertainment has been relatively sparse in Wimbledon’s early league campaign, with four of their five fourth-tier games featuring under 2.5 goals. That said, the ‘Wombles’ pulled off a stunning second-half comeback to defy the odds and beat Championship outfit Coventry City 2-1 in the opening League Cup round. Their late awakening in that contest is in line with their tendency to step up after the break, with eight of their nine competitive goals in 2023/24 coming in the second half of play.