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.
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.
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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.
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.
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