Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon preview
From the Premier League to the Carabao Cup, Chelsea host league two side AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge.
The last time these two sides faced each other was in 2000 when the Dons were still in the Premier League. Chelsea would beat The Wombles in a three-one victory at Stamford Bridge.
In a press conference yesterday, Mauricio Pochettino said, “I want to win the league, FA Cup and the Carabao Cup,” so it is clear that Chelsea won’t be taking any game lightly this season.
Chelsea Preview
After last week’s victory against Luton (3-0), the Blues must build on this confidence in a cup game against AFC Wimbledon.
Poch said in the press conference that 4-5 academy players will be in the Chelsea squad.
With that in mind, it has been clear the Argentine manager is not afraid to use the Cobham academy in his team selection; last week alone, he had six players from the system on the bench.
Although Chelsea have only won one game in the Premier League this season, the Blues have looked fantastic in all three games played.
A clear possession-dominated style has looked impressive with Chelsea, drawing to Liverpool in week one but then getting a surprise loss in game week two against West Ham. Then, after beating Luton last Friday, a similar if not better outcome is expected today against the south-west London side.
Chelsea’s biggest win against Wimbledon came in 1993 on the 12th of April in the Premier League in a four-two victory at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Dennis Wise (penalty), Gareth Hall, John Spencer and Neil Shipperley.
The Blues are expected to play a young side in this competition, and it will be interesting to see how they rise to the challenge.
AFC Wimbledon preview
Wimbledon have started the season well in League Two, having not lost a game so far, drawing three and winning two. They currently sit fifth in the league table.
After being relegated from League One in the 2021/22 season, The Dons have been on a path to rebuild.
There was a scare last season where The Wombles nearly got relegated to the national league, finishing in 21st. They beat the drop by five points.
Wimbledon have beaten the Blues seven times in their history; one victory that stands out most comes in 1989 in the old League Divison One, where The Dons would thump Chelsea 5-2. Goals came from Terry Gibson x2, Dennis Wise x2, and Alan Cork.
My Chelsea Predicted lineup:
GK- Lucas Bergström
· RB- Malo Gusto
· CB- Bashir Humphreys
· CB- Levi Colwill
· LB- Ian Maatsen
· CM- Lesley Ugochukwu
· CM- Moises Caicedo
· AM- Conor Gallagher
· LM- Diego Moreira
· RM- Noni Madueke
· ST- Mason Burstow
This has been the most challenging lineup for me to predict this season. Petrovic won’t start in my opinion, due to it being too early, so in that case, I would not put it past Lucas to get the call-up to start in goal tonight.
Mauricio Pochettino finally use a more stable back four with Malo Gusto on the right with academy graduate Bashir Humphreys alongside Levi Colwill, which was seen in pre-season. On the left, I believe Ian Maatsen will finally get his first start in the cup; after impressing in America, I think he will finally get an opportunity to start.
Onto the midfield, Lesley Ugochukwu will get his first start in Blue, as he has had some very promising cameos in his two appearances. To partner with him, Caicedo will work alongside the Frenchmen.
In the attacking midfield role, I think Gallagher will start in that role since he has had past experiences playing there and with few options, he is the best candidate.
Onto the attack, on the left, Moreira will likely get the call-up from the under-21s side after showing small glimpses in preseason of what he is capable of. Pochettino will give the young Portuguese attacker a place in the starting 11.
Onto the right, after missing pre-season due to injury, Madueke will get some much-needed minutes in this game; Pochettino has spoken highly of him in press conferences, so it makes sense for him to start today.
Mason Burstow will lead the line; he has been given a few good minutes in the league this season, coming off the bench against West Ham and Luton. Pochettino believes in the young striker, so he should start.
Roundup:
Tonight should be a straightforward victory for Chelsea, with the Blues boss saying how he wants to win every competition that Chelsea are in this season. You would expect them to dispatch AFC Wimbledon without too much hassle tonight.
However, The Dons will go into this game with great confidence. Still unbeaten this season in all competitions, they will be looking to cause a huge upset.
Score Prediction:
4-0 Chelsea it is a bold prediction, but I see goals from the Blue side of London tonight, as they will be looking to bring on the youth at some point in the game, so I expect Chelsea to cruise to victory.
