Chelsea vs AFC Wimbledon LIVE commentary: Blues begin Carabao Cup campaign against League Two opposition – kick-off time, team news and how to follow

Chelsea will begin their Carabao Cup campaign as they welcome Wimbledon to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. 

The Blues enter the competition in the second round after failing to qualify for Europe last season and take on League Two opposition. 

Sterling starred as Chelsea secured their first three points last time outGetty

Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured their first win of the Premier League campaign last time out against Luton and will be aiming to build on the much-needed victory. 

Meanwhile, Wimbledon are unbeaten in the fourth tier, sitting fifth in the table after winning two and drawing three of their opening five games. 

The Dons impressively beat Championship outfit Coventry to reach the second round and will be aiming to take a major scalp this week. 

Chelsea vs Wimbledon: talkSPORT coverage 

This Carabao Cup second round clash will take place on Wednesday, August 30.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for 7:45pm. 

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action.

Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Nicolas Jackson opened his Chelsea account on Friday nightGetty

Chelsea vs Wimbledon: Team news 

New goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic could make his debut for the Blues in place of No.1 Robert Sanchez.

He will likely play alongside the Blues’ fringe players such as Noni Madueke, Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu and Mason Burstow. 

Marc Cucurella could also feature despite links to Manchester United this week while Romeo Lavia isn’t expected to make his debut just yet.

Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badisashile, Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka are just some of the names on Chelsea’s long injury list. 

As for Wimbledon, captain Jake Reeves and Armani Little were both injured in their last game and they’re likely to join Paul Kalambayi and Huseyin Biler on the sidelines. 

Pochettino is likely to heavily rotate his side this weekGetty

Chelsea vs Wimbledon: What has been said?

Speaking when the draw was made following his side’s win over Coventry, Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson looked ahead to a huge night at Stamford Bridge. 

He said: “It’s a great draw and reward for what the boys did tonight. 

“We’ll get to go to a Premier League club and not just any Premier League club – a top side. 

“It is great for everyone involved with the Club – and I’m delighted. 

“The boys deserve this because of their efforts tonight. They’ve earned the opportunity, so we’ll go to the Bridge and give it a go.”

Chelsea vs Wimbledon: Match facts 

AFC Wimbledon’s 2-1 victory over Coventry in the first round was their first ever League Cup win against a side from a higher division than them (L7). They’re looking to reach the third round of the competition for just the second time, after 2021-22.As a top-flight side, Chelsea have won 14 of their last 15 games against sides in the fourth tier or lower in all competitions (D1), with their last defeat coming at Scarborough in October 1989.AFC Wimbledon have lost four of their five meetings with Premier League sides in all competitions, with the exception being a 4-2 win against West Ham in the 2018-19 FA Cup.This is the first ever meeting between Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon. The Blues are unbeaten in their last seven debut matches against domestic opponents (W4 D3) since a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth in the second tier in September 1988.