How are the opposition looking: A Word from AFC Wimbledon

After a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, Fulham are back in action in another competition in the form of the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon.

The Cottagers struggled to contain the prolific Chelsea attack on Monday night and will hope they can put their best foot forward against League One opposition in their first Cup game.

The Dons have not had the easiest start to the season, but will hope to stun Fulham and advance to the Third Round of the competition, where the winner will travel to West Ham.

We spoke to AFC Wimbledon supporter Nick Bateman to see what Fulham can expect from their first Cup game of the season.

Nick Bateman said: "It’s been a mixed start this season for Wimbledon, losing one and drawing one in the league, though the Dons come into Thursday night’s fixture with Fulham having beaten Newport during their first competitive game of the season - albeit having needed penalties to do so.

"Saturday’s result against Reading, a goalless draw, did at least indicate that things may be starting to come together for the side. 

"The club has experienced less squad churn than usual this summer, with several players that were expected to leave having ultimately signed new deals.

"Most Dons fans will agree that the (re)capture of Steve Seddon was the most significant of these, on the back of a season where the left-back returned an impressive eight assists, playing virtually every minute of the league campaign in which safety was secured in the penultimate game of the season.

"Silky forward Marcus Browne is another player that Wimbledon have done well to ward off attention for, following his return of 12 league goals last campaign.

"New captures include Jayden Stockley, a quintessential target man, who has shown early glimpses of his quality.

"Given that the club’s transfer model relies on effectively taking punts on what Director of Football Craig Cope refers to as “undervalued players,” the club must continue to contend with the inherent risk in signing such players, even whilst other clubs in League One are able to spend relatively vast sums on players themselves.

"Regardless, Championship-proven striker Harry Cornick and full-back Andy Yiadom both appear to look like good acquisitions.

"Steve Sessegnon - despite having struggled for fitness in previous seasons, will hope to kickstart his own campaign on Thursday night by potentially having to mark his twin, Ryan, in the Fulham side. 

"Whilst Wimbledon’s beginning to the season has been short of impressive, they can boast an enjoyable recent record in the League Cup.

"Previous campaigns have seen home victories over Coventry and Ipswich respectively, whilst only a late Chelsea winner at Stamford Bridge in the 23/24 prevented an upset; the Dons having led early in the game courtesy of a James Tilley penalty.

"In the absence of any realistic ambitions to challenge for promotion this season, cup competitions offer the club the best chance of any palpable sense of success, particularly whilst the club remains in internal discussions as to how the club’s current fan-run ownership model can best be flexed to attract new- much-needed- investment. 

"A strong turnout from Dons fans is expected on Thursday night, with over four thousand tickets sold in the away end.

"They will be hoping to watch Johnnie Jackson and his side continue to punch above their weight in a competition where Wimbledon have previously played some of their best football."