There's a thirst for silverware in N17 after last season's Europa League glory, and the club will fancy enjoying a deep Carabao Cup run under Thomas Frank this term.
Spurs begin their domestic cup campaign at home to Doncaster Rovers, who have enjoyed a bright start to their League One campaign but enter this cup tie off the back of successive defeats.
The visitors are preparing for their first clash with the Lilywhites since 2009, and a special night out at our glamorous modern amphitheatre beckons Grant McCann. A stunning 4-0 victory at Championship leaders Middlesbrough and a 2-0 triumph at Accrington Stanley helped Rovers into the third round, but they haven't progressed beyond this point since 2005/06.
Ange Postecoglou guided Spurs into the semi-finals of this competition last season, and we rank among the most successful teams in League Cup history. However, we've only endured heartbreak and damp squibs since our last triumph in 2008.
Here's our preview of Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie.
Tottenham vs Doncaster: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
What time does Tottenham vs Doncaster kick off?
Tottenham vs Doncaster kicks off on Wednesday 24 September at 19:45 BST.
- When is kick off? Wednesday 24 September, 2025
- What time is kick off? 19:45 BST
- Where is it played? Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
- Referee: Andy Madley
Tottenham vs Doncaster head-to-head record (last five games)
Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
26 August 2009 | Doncaster 1-5 Tottenham | League Cup |
3 December 1975 | Tottenham 7-2 Doncaster | League Cup |
18 February 1956 | Doncaster 0–2 Tottenham | FA Cup |
14 February 1948 | Doncaster 1-1 Tottenham | Division Two |
27 September 1947 | Tottenham 2-0 Doncaster | Division Two |
How to watch Tottenham vs Doncaster on TV & live stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports+ |
United States | Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Tottenham team news
There's been a mixed bag on the injury front for Spurs since Saturday's draw at Brighton, with Frank confirming that Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies haven't recovered in time to feature. Both likely would've been started had they been fit.
The absence of Davies leaves the manager with a conundrum at left-back. 16-year-old Ju'nai Byfield is a centre-back by trade, but could be used there to ensure Frank's senior options aren't risked. Kota Takai is also in line to make his debut for the club, having recovered from a foot injury.
Xavi Simons could get an hour under his belt after his excellent cameo on Saturday, and Mathys Tel will likely lead the line. He'll probably be flanked by Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Doncaster: Kinsky; Spence, Danso, Takai, Byfield; Gray, Sarr, Xavi; Johnson, Tel, Odobert.
Doncaster team news
Tottenham have granted Damola Ajayi to play against his parent club on Wednesday night, but the teenager was on the bench for the visitors at the weekend and may be limited to a cameo appearance here.
Ajayi was sent on loan at the start of the summer window, having opened up his Lilywhite account with a fine finish in the 3-0 victory over Elfsborg in January.
Doncaster have 39-year-old Billy Sharp leading the line, and they should have Jamie Sterry available after recovering from a back injury. However, they've lost Harry Clifton to a significant hamstring injury.
Doncaster predicted lineup vs Tottenham: Lawlor; Sterry, McGrath, Pearson, Maxwell; Bailey, Close; Molyneux, Crew, Gibson; Sharp.
Tottenham vs Doncaster score prediction
I might be wrong, but it feels like a while since we've had a lower league opponent in N17. These games are typically enjoyable evenings out for the family, with youngsters and fringe players given the chance to showcase their stuff.
There's going to be enough quality within Spurs' ranks to win this cup tie with some comfort, and I dearly hope we see Archie Gray and Mathys Tel produce strong performances on Wednesday night. An hour of Xavi would be lovely, too, and surely too much for the visitors to handle.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Doncaster