Newcastle United vs. AFC Wimbledon

Newcastle United will look to secure their place in the fourth round of the EFL Cup when they host League Two side AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night at St James' Park. After an intense Premier League encounter against Manchester City that ended in a 1-1 draw, the Magpies aim to shift their focus to cup action. Meanwhile, AFC Wimbledon, who battled to a goalless draw with Bradford City in their recent League Two fixture, head into this match as the underdogs, eager to spring a major upset.

Match Preview: A Chance for Silverware

Newcastle United are still on the hunt for their first-ever EFL Cup triumph, despite having come agonizingly close on two previous occasions. Their most recent appearance in the final came in the 2022-23 season, where they fell short with a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Wembley. Despite this disappointment, the Magpies are eyeing the League Cup as a realistic opportunity for silverware this season. However, their path in the competition hasn't been smooth thus far. In the previous round, Newcastle narrowly scraped past Nottingham Forest in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense match.

The League Cup could be an ideal avenue for Eddie Howe’s men to secure their first major trophy since 1955, when they won the FA Cup. Newcastle fans have long been starved of success, and the current squad has shown the potential to bring silverware back to Tyneside. Howe, appointed in late 2021, has revitalized the team, steering them into European contention and domestic cup runs. While Newcastle’s primary focus remains on the Premier League and their upcoming European commitments, there’s no doubt that a deep run in the EFL Cup is on their agenda.

Recent Form: Steady Progress for the Magpies

Newcastle's recent form suggests they are in a solid position heading into this clash. Their most recent outing saw them battle to a 1-1 draw with Manchester City at St James' Park in the Premier League. The game was closely contested, with Anthony Gordon converting a second-half penalty to earn his side a valuable point. That result leaves Newcastle seventh in the Premier League standings, with 11 points from their first six matches.

Eddie Howe's side has only suffered one defeat across all competitions this season, a 3-1 loss to Fulham in the Premier League on September 21. Apart from that slip, they have looked strong and resilient, boasting a sturdy defensive unit that has made it difficult for opponents to break them down. Newcastle’s defense, marshaled by Sven Botman and Fabian Schär, has conceded just five goals in six Premier League matches, an impressive feat that will give them confidence heading into this cup tie.

Looking ahead, Newcastle will take on Everton in the Premier League next weekend before the October international break. However, Howe is expected to rotate his squad for this EFL Cup tie, giving opportunities to some of his fringe players while resting key individuals for the league. Nevertheless, the Magpies will still field a team capable of overcoming their League Two opponents.

AFC Wimbledon: Aiming for a Premier League Scalp

AFC Wimbledon, on the other hand, are no strangers to cup competition drama. The League Two outfit has already knocked out a Premier League side in this season's EFL Cup, defeating Ipswich Town on penalties in the second round after a hard-fought contest. Before that, they overcame Bromley 2-1 in the first round, setting up this exciting third-round encounter with Newcastle.

Wimbledon’s journey to this stage of the competition highlights their fighting spirit and ability to rise to the occasion in knockout football. Under the guidance of head coach Johnnie Jackson, the Dons have been on an impressive run of form, going unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, including five wins. Their strong start to the 2024-25 League Two season sees them sitting in sixth place in the table, with 13 points from seven matches. With two games in hand over the leaders Gillingham, they are well-positioned to mount a serious promotion challenge this term.

Jackson has built a team that is hard to break down, combining defensive solidity with a potent attack. Their unbeaten run will give them confidence heading into this cup tie, although they are well aware that the challenge posed by Newcastle will be far greater than anything they have faced in League Two. Nonetheless, Wimbledon will relish the opportunity to test themselves against Premier League opposition, and another giant-killing could see them make headlines once again.

Newcastle's League Cup History: Unfinished Business

For Newcastle, the League Cup remains one of the few domestic trophies that have eluded them throughout their long and storied history. Despite being one of England’s most passionately supported clubs, Newcastle have found success in the cup competitions hard to come by. Their last major domestic cup triumph came nearly seven decades ago when they lifted the FA Cup in 1955. Since then, the League Cup has been a source of frustration, with the club coming agonizingly close on several occasions but never quite getting over the line.

In addition to their most recent defeat in the 2022-23 final, Newcastle reached the League Cup final in 1976, where they were beaten by Manchester City. Despite these near-misses, the Magpies’ lack of silverware in recent decades has been a source of frustration for their supporters, who are desperate for the club to add to its trophy cabinet. Eddie Howe's arrival has given Newcastle a new sense of purpose, and there is a growing belief that this could be the season where they finally end their long wait for domestic silverware.

AFC Wimbledon's League Cup Journey: Defying the Odds

AFC Wimbledon’s progression to the third round of the League Cup has already exceeded many expectations, and they will be determined to keep their run going when they visit St James' Park. Despite playing in the fourth tier of English football, the Dons have shown they are more than capable of competing with teams from higher divisions.

Their second-round victory over Ipswich Town was particularly impressive, as they held their nerve in a penalty shootout to send the Premier League side packing. That result will give them plenty of belief as they prepare to face Newcastle, although they know they will need to be at their very best to have any chance of pulling off another shock result.

Head coach Johnnie Jackson has done an excellent job of getting the best out of his squad this season, and he will be hoping his players can rise to the occasion once again on Tuesday night. While their primary focus will remain on their League Two campaign, where they are pushing for promotion, a deep cup run would be a welcome bonus for the club and its supporters.

Key Players to Watch

For Newcastle, the EFL Cup tie provides an opportunity for some of their fringe players to stake a claim for more regular first-team action. Howe is likely to rotate his squad, with players such as Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson, and Tino Livramento expected to feature prominently. Isak, who has struggled for consistent minutes in the Premier League, will be eager to impress and add to his goal tally in this competition. Meanwhile, Anderson and Livramento will look to make their mark after limited appearances in the early part of the season.

AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile, will be relying on the experience of players like Harry Pell and Alex Woodyard to guide them through this daunting encounter. Pell, a towering presence in midfield, has been instrumental in Wimbledon's early-season success, while Woodyard’s leadership and composure will be vital as they seek to frustrate Newcastle’s attacking threat. Up front, Omar Bugiel will be tasked with leading the line and trying to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the Magpies.

Prediction: Newcastle United Likely to Prevail

While AFC Wimbledon have shown they can punch above their weight in this competition, it is hard to look past Newcastle United as the overwhelming favorites to advance to the fourth round. The Magpies have greater strength in depth, and even with a rotated squad, they should have more than enough quality to see off their lower-league opponents.

That being said, the League Cup has a history of throwing up surprises, and AFC Wimbledon will travel to Tyneside with nothing to lose. If they can keep the game tight and frustrate Newcastle for long periods, they may just have a chance of forcing the match into extra time or penalties, where anything can happen.

Ultimately, though, Newcastle's firepower and home advantage should prove decisive, with Howe’s side expected to book their place in the next round as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.