Overview
Fulham entered the AFC Wimbledon match with many problems to be solved after the 2-3 defeat to Chelsea. In the first match under Alvaro Arbeloa, they revealed worrying gaps in defense when they let Chelsea create an overwhelming game.
However, Fulham still had bright spots in attack. The home team at Craven Cottage launched 14 shots, of which 6 were on target. If they had taken advantage of the opportunity more effectively, Fulham could have completely regained at least one point.
Defense ability will therefore be the problem Arbeloa needs to prioritize solving. Fulham is expected to compete for a position in the middle or higher group in the Premier League season 2026-2027, but the squad depth will continue to be challenged in the early stages of the season.
This is also the first time Fulham and AFC Wimbledon have faced each other in an official match. The two teams met in 2001, before Wimbledon moved to Milton Keynes.
AFC Wimbledon had a rather special start when they went through 2 consecutive matches that had to be decided by penalties. They defeated Newport County after a 1-1 draw at the EFL Trophy, but then lost to Leyton Orient on penalties.
In League One, Johnnie Jackson's team has not yet found their first goal. After a 0-3 defeat to Huddersfield Town in the opening match, AFC Wimbledon drew 0-0 with Reading.
This result somewhat improves the psychology of the away team before the trip to Fulham's stadium, but the attacking ability is still a big question mark.
Personnel situation
Fulham welcomes good news when Joachim Andersen returns after suspension. However, Alvaro Arbeloa is likely to rotate the squad, giving starting opportunities to Kenny Tete, Ryan Sessegnon, Luc De Fougerolles, Shea Charles, Harrison Reed, Emile Smith Rowe, Kevin and Rodrigo Muniz.
On the AFC Wimbledon side, the dense schedule with 2 matches against Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion in less than a week makes it likely that Johnnie Jackson will also adjust personnel. Nathan Bishop may start, while Andy Yiadom, Steven Sessegnon, Callum Maycock, Aron Sasu and Antwoine Hackford are facing opportunities to play.
Newcomer Harry Cornick, who used to wear Luton Town's shirt, is likely to start the match on the bench.
Expected lineup:
Lecomte, Tete, Andersen, De Fougerolles, Sessegnon, Charles, Reed, Kevin, Smith Rowe, Palacios, Muniz.
AFC Wimbledon: Bishop, Sessegnon, Ogundere, Johnson, Yiadom, Smith, Maycock, Nelson, Seddon, Hackford, Sasu.
The match between Fulham and AFC Wimbledon takes place at 2:00 AM on July 28 (Vietnam time).
