- Here is the Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon prediction for the 2026/27 EFL Cup as both sides battle for a place in the third round.
- The two teams will meet on Thursday, August 27, at the Craven Cottage .
- Kick-off is set for 9:00pm EAT.
Fulham will begin their EFL Cup campaign on Thursday evening when they welcome AFC Wimbledon to Craven Cottage for a second-round encounter.
The Cottagers head into the tie looking to bounce back from their Premier League opening-day defeat to Chelsea, while Wimbledon will be hoping to produce a cup upset against their top-flight opponents.
Fulham’s first Premier League match of the 2026/27 campaign ended in disappointment as they were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Monday.
Despite the result, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side showed encouraging signs in attack, creating 14 attempts and forcing six efforts on target against a Chelsea team expected to challenge near the top end of the table.
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The major concern for Arbeloa will be the defensive display, with Fulham conceding three goals during a difficult opening 49 minutes. The Cottagers did improve as the match progressed, but they ultimately could not complete their comeback.
Thursday’s EFL Cup tie therefore provides Fulham with an opportunity to respond immediately, although Arbeloa is expected to make significant changes with another Premier League fixture against Sunderland coming on Sunday.
Fulham will also be looking to build momentum in a competition where squad depth can prove crucial. Several players who were unused substitutes against Chelsea are expected to get their chance, giving Arbeloa an opportunity to assess his options.
The meeting with Wimbledon will also be a rare one, with the two clubs not having faced each other competitively since 2001. The current AFC Wimbledon was established following the relocation of the original Wimbledon to Milton Keynes.
For Johnnie Jackson’s Wimbledon side, the EFL Cup represents an opportunity to put their difficult start to the League One campaign behind them.
The Dons are yet to score in their first two league matches, losing 3-0 away to Huddersfield Town before playing out a goalless draw with Reading.
Their cup form has been slightly more encouraging. Wimbledon eliminated Newport County after a 1-1 draw went to penalties in the opening round, although they were subsequently beaten by Leyton Orient in another shootout in the EFL Trophy.
Jackson will therefore hope his players can reproduce their defensive resilience while finding a way to threaten Fulham at the other end.
With Fulham expected to rotate, Wimbledon may see this as a genuine opportunity to compete, but overcoming a Premier League side at Craven Cottage remains a major task.
What time does Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon kick off?
Fulham will host AFC Wimbledon at Craven Cottage on Thursday, August 27, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00pm East Africa Time.
Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon team news
Fulham are set to welcome Joachim Andersen back into contention after the centre-back missed the defeat to Chelsea through suspension.
However, Arbeloa is expected to make numerous changes to his starting XI as he looks to give other members of his squad valuable competitive minutes.
Kenny Tete and Ryan Sessegnon could come into the full-back positions, while Luc De Fougerolles is also in contention to start.
New signing Shea Charles could be handed his first start for the club, with Harrison Reed another option in midfield.
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to feature, while Kevin and Rodrigo Muniz could also be given an opportunity to impress in attack.
Wimbledon are similarly expected to rotate their team because of their busy schedule.
Nathan Bishop could start in goal, while Andy Yiadom and Steven Sessegnon are among those pushing for places in defence.
Callum Maycock, Aron Sasu and Antwoine Hackford could also come into the starting lineup as Jackson looks to freshen up his side.
Former Luton Town forward Harry Cornick, one of the club’s recent additions, is expected to begin on the bench.
Fulham possible starting lineup: Lecomte; Tete, Andersen, De Fougerolles, Sessegnon; Charles, Reed; Kevin, Smith Rowe, Palacios; Muniz
AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup: Bishop; Sessegnon, Ogundere, Johnson; Yiadom, Smith, Maycock, Nelson, Seddon; Hackford, Sasu
Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon head-to-head record
The two sides have rarely crossed paths, with the last meeting coming in 2001 involving the original Wimbledon club.
Thursday’s fixture will therefore be the first competitive meeting between Fulham and the current AFC Wimbledon, adding another layer of intrigue to the EFL Cup tie.
Fulham vs AFC Wimbledon prediction
Fulham will understandably start as favourites, particularly with home advantage and greater quality across their squad.
Wimbledon’s defensive organisation could make the contest competitive, especially if Fulham make the wholesale changes expected. The visitors will also be encouraged by their recent clean sheet against Reading.
However, Fulham should have enough attacking options to eventually break down their League One opponents. The likes of Smith Rowe and Muniz could prove decisive, while Andersen’s return should also strengthen the hosts defensively.
The Cottagers may have to work for the victory, but their superior squad depth should see them through to the third round.
Fulham should have too much quality for Wimbledon over 90 minutes, although the visitors could make life uncomfortable for the hosts before the Premier League side eventually establish control.