Fulham to host AFC Wimbledon in Carabao Cup second round at Craven Cottage

Fulham will host AFC Wimbledon at Craven Cottage in the second round of the Carabao Cup for the 2026-27 season on August 25, 2026, the fixture coming after Fulham’s 2-3 Premier League loss to Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon’s first-round win over Newport County on penalties.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side travel into the cup tie having been beaten 3-2 by Chelsea in their opening English Premier League match, a result the club will want to rectify after a home defeat in which the report singled out defensive shortcomings while noting the attack produced positive moments. AFC Wimbledon advanced from round one only after a penalty shootout against Newport County under manager Johnnie Jackson, and the Wombles have also been eliminated from the EFL Trophy and remain without a League One win this season, per the preview.

The preview highlighted Joshua King as one of Fulham’s goalscorers in the 2-3 defeat to Chelsea, stating he “performed very well,” was “quite active in the final third,” and that the “19-year-old showed that he is capable of much more,” describing him as “a constant threat to the opponent’s defence.”

On the Wimbledon side the article notes: “The 32-year-old is going to have a crucial role to play in the attacking front for AFC Wimbledon. With his experience and composed efforts, he will be looking to come up with a strong performance for the visitors.” The piece also calls on Jayden Stockley to step up and find the scoresheet to give Wimbledon a chance against Fulham.

Injury and availability details in the preview include Tom Cairney being ruled out for Fulham with a knee injury, while AFC Wimbledon were reported as having all squad members ready for selection. The article lists player groupings as follows: Leno (GK); Castagne, Bassey, Cuenca, Robinson; Berge, Iwobi; Bobb, King, Palacios; Garcia McDonnell (GK); Ogundere, Sweeney, Johnson; Tilley, Nelson. Smith, Hippolyte, Seddon; Browne, Stockley

The preview projects home advantage for Fulham and cites superior squad quality as a factor that should keep them in control of the match, while noting AFC Wimbledon can pose a challenge but are likely to struggle given their current form; the report suggests the Cottagers “might come out on top and secure a heavy win” in the cup tie.

Broadcast details provided in the piece state UK coverage on Sky Sports, Sky Sports+ and ITV, and that the FanCode app and website can be used to watch the games live.