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Tottenham vs Doncaster: Preview | EFL Cup Third Round

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 4:06 PM ET

It’s mid-week again, and Tottenham Hotspur return to cup duties as the Lilywhites ready up the troops to face League One outfit Doncaster Rovers on Wednesday evening in the EFL Cup third round. This shapes up to be a tie that pits European champions against third-tier hustlers. We may expect to see Frank taking the foot off the gas for a while there and have some of the second fiddlers running along to impress the Dane head coach.

The North Londoners are yet to kiss Carabao Cup silverware since they won it in 2008. It was when Jonathan Woodgate scored that memorable extra-time header to secure the Lilywhites’ last domestic cup. If we are speaking about Tottenham in domestic cups since, Spurs have lost three finals (2009, 2015, 2021), and then there was also that frustrating exit against Liverpool in the semi-finals last season.

And Thomas Frank would know that these domestic opportunities are also a realistic route to silverware. While Tottenham have eyes on progressing in the Champions League and securing that top-four Premier League finish. Tottenham also have an opportunity to go deep into these competitions.

After drawing 2-2 against Brighton at the weekend, Tottenham come into this game to get back to winning ways but are also looking for some sense of rest & rotations.

While for the visitors, this one represents an opportunity to make their mark. We saw how Grant McCann’s side went on to stun Middlesbrough 4-0 in round one. They then went on to eliminate 10 men from Accrington Stanley. But back-to-back league defeats have been a hurdle for their momentum recently. Defensively they have been looking a bit shaky recently, and they will be up against Tottenham away, which is as tough as it gets.

Team News

The North Londoners will continue to be without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke for the tie. But Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies will be back in contention as the duo return for Spurs after a dead leg and knee twist, respectively.

But you should expect rotations for the tie. We could finally see Antonin Kinsky starting his first game of the season between the sticks. That could be followed up with Archie Gray and Kevin Danso, both in line for starts. There is a chance that we see both Mathys Tel and Dane Scarlett up top as well.

Given that the Dane went on to rest Xavi Simons at the weekend against Brighton, maybe the Dutchman could be the experienced presence that the North Londoners need on the pitch tomorrow.

And EFL also is a competition that most of the supporters look forward to, as this gives an opportunity for many supporters to look at some academy stars. And come tomorrow, there is a chance for Tottenham fans to see Callum Olusesi and Luca Williams-Barnett.

While for Doncaster, they will be without Tottenham loanee Damola Ajayi.

They should have 39-year-old Billy Sharp leading the line. He will be supported by the duo of Luke Molyneux and Jordan Gibson.