The Blues are tonight in Carabao Cup action, entering the second round for the first time since 2016, as they face The Dons for the first time since their founding in 2002. It is an historic London derby and one which should see a number of young Chelsea stars looking to make an impression. Mauricio Pochettino famously dismissed this competition as important while in charge at Tottenham, but reversed that view in the build-up to this fixtures.
Diego Moreira, Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu, Bashir Humphreys and Noni Madueke should all feature, and outcast Marc Cucurella was expected to be involved but is now in talks over a loan move to Manchester United. Wimbledon will be without captain Jake Reeves and midfield partner Armani Little as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
Wimbledon have a tall order tonight but already claimed a Coventry City’s scalp in the first round – is another cupset on the cards? Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge.
Live updates
37min: Right on cue, Madueke wins a free kick in a dangerous area and he fancies a go here if he can get it up and over the wall… but he can’t.
It’s up, and then keeps going up and well over the bar.
35min: Chelsea are just not pushing Wimbledon at all. It’s all too easy for the defence.
Madueke is probably Chelsea’s best player of the half, but there are hardly many candidates.
33min: The last time Chelsea were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the second round was back way in the 1995-96 season.
They lost 1-0 to Stoke over two legs. I know it’s not the point, but imagine a two-legged second-round League Cup tie, why?
31min: Half an hour gone and Chelsea are yet to test Wimbledon with a shot on target.
28min: Pochettino sends Chilwell to warm up after Cucurella gives away possession with a sloppy pass.
27min: Corner comes to nothing.
26min: Chelsea pushing now and Gallagher is lively after a rather flat start from all involved. The captain tries his luck and wins a corner.
23min: Almost an instant reply from Chelsea as Maatsen carves open some space, has a pop at goal but hits the side netting.
Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge
“That was a soft penalty given by referee Tony Harrington but there is no VAR tonight. Mauricio Pochettino was furious. Anyway, I guess we have a match.”
GOAL!
19min: Tilley steps up… and scores!
The Dons head at Stamford Bridge!
