Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup clash with Wimbledon has been postponed.
The Magpies were hoping to use the Carabao Cup third round tie to bounce back from their awful performance against Fulham, but the elements have a different idea.
Incredible volumes of rain in London have resulted in flooding at AFC Wimbledon’s ground, with the surrounding area of the Cherry Red Records Stadium under water. The pitch is not much better either, meaning the game on Tuesday night is off.
Newcastle United‘s third round Carabao Cup clash with Wimbledon is on hold, and it remains unclear when it will be rearranged for.
There are not many opportunities to reschedule the fixture, as it is too short notice to play it at St James’ Park this week. Meanwhile, Wimbledon already have a League Two game scheduled for next midweek.
When Wimbledon vs Newcastle United could now be played
It has created a difficult situation for Newcastle United and Wimbledon, and one that could see their cup contest being put on hold until towards the end of October.
That is according to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, who has taken to his YouTube channel to state that the game might not be played until the next break for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, which begins the week commencing October 28th.
“We’ve been talking to a couple of officials just inside there now,” he said.
“They can’t play it this week. It’s too short notice in terms of the policing needed to get it up to St James’ tomorrow [Tuesday].
“I also don’t think Newcastle would want a game on Wednesday, given they are playing Manchester City here at home on Saturday.
“Next week down in London – Wimbledon have already got a fixture scheduled, a League Two game against Crewe That isn’t possible, and then you’re into the international break.
“Coming out of that, the most likely scenario now is either a bye for Newcastle or they play the week of the Carabao Cup games commending October 28th. We think that is the most likely. The EFL handbook does state that is an option.”
Fixture delay should not concern Newcastle United
Even if Newcastle do have to wait until the end of October to play against Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup, it does not matter.
With the Magpies not competing in Europe, there is not going to be a ridiculous fixture list for Newcastle to contend with.
If they were to advance, it would mean that Newcastle then need to find time to play their fourth round tie. However, that probably would not be as big an issue as rearranging this game against Wimbledon.
Postponement could benefit Eddie Howe and Newcastle United this week
In truth, Eddie Howe might be slightly grateful for this postponement.
While it means his players do not have an immediate chance to bounce back from their defeat to Fulham, it does mean they have more time to prepare to face Manchester City.
Howe has a full week of training to get his players ready for the game against Pep Guardiola’s side. That extra time on the training ground should help the players be more tactically prepared to try and stop the Premier League champions at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Then again, Newcastle also had a full week to prepare for the game against Fulham and produced their worst performance of the season so far…
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