Welcome back to '60 seconds on...' a new match preview where we'll tap into the knowledge of the people who know our opponents inside out.
Next up, we step into Carabao Cup action for the first time this season and a third round tie against League One side Doncaster Rovers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.45pm). So, it was a call to Ricky Charlesworth - @Ricky_C90 - Rovers reporter for the Doncaster Free Press, following Donny up and down the country, including Grant McCann's pre-match press conference on Monday...
Q1: Tell us about Doncaster’s season so far…
Ricky: "So far, so (pretty) good. Rovers entered the recent game at Wigan joint-top of League One but they've had their wings clipped since then with back-to-back defeats. That's been a rarity over the last 18 months and perhaps has taken a bit of shine off what was until that point a magnificent return to the third tier for Rovers. That said, if you'd have offered supporters a return of 16 points from nine games then most would have snapped your hand off..."
Before we get into this tie - how has Damola Ajayi got on so far in his loan?
Ricky: "He's had to bide his time so far, with the loanee yet to make a league start. He has come off the bench seven times in the league but most of those can be firmly filed under the term 'cameo' with his most recent outing a 13-minute stint against Wimbledon last weekend. It's been a different matter in the Carabao Cup though with two starts and a first goal in Rovers colours in the scintillating win up at Middlesbrough in round one. It'll be fascinating to see if he gets the nod against his parent club after Spurs kindly gave him permission to feature, if selected."
Which players should we look out for and who would be your 'one to watch'?
Ricky: "This will probably come down to what team Grant McCann picks. His stance in the two previous rounds has been to make wholesale changes and those who have come in were largely faultless. There's a chance he may mix it up here and if so then skipper Owen Bailey looks a good shout to start. He's been magnificent since arriving in the summer of 2023, starting 101 consecutive league games which is a mighty feat given the injury woes he had early on in his career whilst at Newcastle United. Others to keep an eye on, if of course selected, are star winger Luke Molyneux and strapping centre-half and local lad Jay McGrath - he's got a big future ahead of him."
How does Grant McCann normally set up tactically? Do you think he’ll look to go after Spurs, or sit in?
Ricky: "The norm is a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 and that's generally the set-up Rovers go with, although he has mixed it up every now and then. It'll be fascinating to see the approach on Wednesday, but speaking to the local media in the build-up to the game, the Northern Irishman insisted: "We have a certain way that we like to play and we'll continue to do that, but we know we're coming up against top players where the tiniest mistake will be punished. We want to put a show on, playing in a top, top stadium and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
What’s the general vibe of the fans for the tie?
Ricky: "The supporters will be under no illusions that this is a night to relish against a top class outfit. They've nothing to lose at all and they will just want to see their side give it a go on a grand stage. And under this manager, that feels like a given."
Finally - how do you see it playing out?
Ricky: "I can see Rovers putting up a brave fight, just as they did last term against Everton and Crystal Palace in the cups. But Spurs look a different beast, especially in their own back yard. Whilst stranger things have happened in the Carabao Cup this season, I see nothing other than a home win, although a Rovers goal would be a nice moment for the sold-out away contingent. I'll go for Spurs 3 Rovers 1."
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