‘Give it everything’ – Dons boss Johnnie Jackson previews EFL Cup clash at Premier League Chelsea

BY CONOR KEENAN

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson has promised that his side will “give it everything” tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge in their EFL Cup second-round clash with Premier League big hitters Chelsea.

The Dons have conceded just two goals in their first five league games of the season and provided a memorable upset of Coventry City in the previous round of the cup, mounting a late comeback to defeat the Sky Blues 2-1 at Plough Lane in early August.

Wimbledon extended their unbeaten start to the League Two season on Saturday following a 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have spent a reported £345.9million this summer on transfers.

Jackson said: “It’s great for us, but I’ve said to the boys I don’t want it to be about ‘the experience’ or ‘a day out’ and all that nonsense. We’re going to go there, and we’re going to have a go. We’re going to try and win the game.

“It is going to be very, very difficult. God knows what team they’re going to put out, but if they turn up and they’re on it, then it’s going to be tough for us.

“One thing I know is that our boys will be right up for it and we’re going there to have a right go and give them a proper game.

“I’ve seen enough from my team to know that we’re going to give them a right go.

“Look, we aren’t stupid – if Chelsea turn up and they’re on their game, it will be really difficult.

“It wouldn’t be the first time there’s been a shock in football. That’s what we want to do – that’s why we play the game.

“It’s fantastic for the supporters and I’m sure they’ll make a hell of a noise and we want to give them moments in the game. I watched them on Friday night against Luton, and I think there will be moments, we just have to capitalise on them.

“We might get two chances in the game, so we have to make the most of those and try and score.

“We have to be prepared not to have the ball for long periods but we’ll work on that Monday and Tuesday and we’ll go there and give it everything we’ve got.”

Jackson will be faced with at least two injury headaches this week after captain Jake Reeves and fellow midfielder Armani Little were forced off due to injury on Saturday.

Summer signing James Ball replaced Reeves and went on to score his first goal for the club minutes after coming off the bench, while Harry Pell replaced Little at half time.

“We have to assess how everyone has come out of the weekend, obviously with our captain coming off injured in the first half and Armani coming off at half time, whether Wednesday is going to come too soon for them? We don’t know.

“Those guys may not be up for consideration for Chelsea, so we may have to juggle it.”