Carabao Cup Preview: AFC Wimbledon vs Newcastle United - Analysis and Insights

With the second wave of European teams entering the Carabao Cup in the third round this week, the magic of the cup has well and truly returned. English cup competitions, famous for pitting giants against minnows and seeing the underdogs win, rarely disappoint.

One of these David against Goliath fixtures sees Champions League chasing Newcastle United make the long trip to south-west London to take on AFC Wimbledon in a game that on paper seems to have only one outcome. However, one must never count out the magic of the cup.

As the game nears, we take a closer look at both sides, investigating strategies, team news, key players and absences that could affect the outcome of the game.

Wimbledon vs Newcastle Recent Form

Wimbledon have had an impressive start to their campaign, with the League Two side currently sitting fifth on 13 points, with a game in hand on every team above them.

WHAT. IT. MEANS. ❤️#AFCW 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/skNjcGmEMN
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) September 14, 2024

While not as free scoring as teams lying ahead of them in the table, Wimbledon have been able to protect leads very well, winning three of their last four fixtures by one goal to nil. They also have a lot of belief in their side, depicted by their first two games of the season.

In their first league game against Colchester, they conceded two goals in the first nine minutes, but were able to regroup and put four past their opponents to open their account with a 4-2 win.

They also needed to recover from an early deficit in their next game, a Carabao Cup fixture against Bromley, in which they conceded in less than 20 minutes and once again responded well, scoring twice to eke out a win.

They also have recent experience of knocking Premier League sides out of the cup, having beaten Ipswich Town on penalties in the last round after the game finished 2-2.

While they haven’t necessarily made life easy for themselves, Wimbledon have plenty of character, and if there is to be an upset in the Carabao Cup third round, there is a high likelihood it comes from this game. Wimbledon have all the tools to make life exceptionally hard for Newcastle.

Newcastle themselves will be reeling after a comprehensive defeat to Fulham on Saturday, in which they were roundly beaten and comprehensively outplayed.

The boss on today's defeat at Fulham. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/TbEiG5xVGH
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 21, 2024

The result comes as an anomaly in their recent form, as they had started the season unbeaten in their first five games, including wins over Tottenham and Wolves.

However, many would not be surprised if this was simply a blip on the Newcastle radar, such is their strength in depth and bounce back ability. A major positive for them is the current form of Harvey Barnes, who is sparkling early on after his injury hit campaign last season.

Wimbledon vs Newcastle Team News

Wimbledon are missing two players after they picked up injuries in recent fixtures. They lost central midfielder Jake Reeves in the win against MK Dons(cm), while versatile defender Ryan Johnson left the field in the first half of the win over Fleetwood.

However, they have maintained good form despite these absences, and shouldn’t have any issues covering these positions with similar quality.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are missing both Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles in defense due to respective thigh injuries, and back-up striker Callum Wilson to a lower back affliction.

🚨Newcastle injury update….

Callum Wilson - (Back) Reportedly still 2-3 weeks away from full first team training.

Joe Willock - (Quad) Could be on the bench for Fulham match but likely to be back for the cup game against AFC Wimbledon on 24th September.

Lewis Miley -… pic.twitter.com/i35aBXkuWP
— ToonTalk (@ToonTalkPro) September 13, 2024

Lacking these squad depth options, it looks likely that Newcastle will field a fairly strong starting eleven due to the absences of more likely cup starters.

Wimbledon vs Newcastle Predicted Lineups

Wimbledon (3-5-2): Goodman (GK), Harbottle, Lewis, Ogundere, Neufville, Smith, Ball, Hippolyte, Tilley, Stevens, Bugiel.
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope (GK), Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Joelinton, Tonali, Longstaff, Osula, Isak, Barnes.

Wimbledon vs Newcastle Player to Watch

Harvey Barnes has returned to the Newcastle starting eleven with a point to prove. After being out for the majority of last season due to various injuries, he returned to the squad at the tail end of the campaign, scoring three times and assisting twice in 11 games.

Easily one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Harvey Barnes can…

• create
• dribble
• shoot
• and pass.

Respect him more. pic.twitter.com/dVdeWcXMrN
— Emir - Scouting (@EKscouting) September 21, 2024

However, over the summer, it is clear he worked exceptionally hard to return to full fitness, and he is already reaping the rewards. The former Leicester man has a goal in each of his last three games, and is starting to look every bit the player that Newcastle signed for £33 million last summer.

While it remains to be seen if he can maintain his electric current form, Barnes has all the attributes to thrive on Tyneside, and if he kicks on from here, a front line of Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon could become one of the most lethal front three’s out there.