The Carabao Cup begins its first round with an intriguing clash as League Two side Gillingham hosts League One team AFC Wimbledon at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium. For Gillingham, this match represents a chance to cause a cup upset and find some much-needed momentum after a mixed start to their league campaign. Under the management of Gareth Ainsworth, the Gills will be looking to their home advantage and fighting spirit to overcome the higher-tier opposition. However, they will be wary of the potential for a classic cup shock. AFC Wimbledon, under the management of Johnnie Jackson, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This is a chance for the Dons to build on their recent form and secure a comfortable passage into the next round, but they must avoid complacency against a determined Gillingham side.
Gillingham has had a difficult start to their season, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the League Two. The team has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in several new faces to bolster their squad. They will be relying on their key players, such as forward Seb Palmer-Houlden and midfielder Bradley Dack, to make an impact. AFC Wimbledon, on the other hand, comes into the fixture with a strong start to their League One campaign. They secured a notable 2-0 victory over Lincoln City in their last outing, with goals from their key players. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with AFC Wimbledon expected to dominate possession and Gillingham likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Gillingham, England
Stadium: MEMS Priestfield Stadium
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST / 8:45 PM CEST
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is a long one, with their most recent meeting being in the FA Cup in 2020. Gillingham won that encounter 3-0. However, both teams have had mixed starts to their current seasons. Gillingham’s recent form is a concern, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the League Two. AFC Wimbledon’s recent form is strong, with their win in their last outing a key indicator of their potential this season. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Gillingham:
Gillingham enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including new signings and in-form midfielders, to stabilize the team and deliver a performance worthy of their home crowd. Manager Gareth Ainsworth is expected to use this match to give minutes to some of his new signings and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
August 9, 2025: Gillingham 1–0 Walsall (League Two)
August 2, 2025: Accrington Stanley 1–1 Gillingham (League Two)
July 26, 2025: Gillingham 2–0 Morecambe (Friendly)
AFC Wimbledon:
AFC Wimbledon is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. The team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their rivals. Manager Johnnie Jackson has a number of new signings at his disposal, including midfielder Aaron Collins and striker Callum Paterson, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. AFC Wimbledon will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Gillingham and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
August 9, 2025: AFC Wimbledon 2–0 Lincoln City (League One)
August 2, 2025: Luton Town 1–0 AFC Wimbledon (League One)
July 26, 2025: AFC Wimbledon 0–3 Millwall (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
AFC Wimbledon is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between AFC Wimbledon’s attack and Gillingham’s defense. For Gillingham, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Gillingham’s resilience against AFC Wimbledon’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, AFC Wimbledon’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Gillingham vs. AFC Wimbledon on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+, TNT SportsUnited StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+, with TNT Sports also providing live coverage. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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