The Independent

The defending Carabao Cup champions, Newcastle United, have the trickiest draw of the fourth round when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur in an all Premier League clash.

Eddie Howe’s men progressed easily through the third round with a statement victory over Bradford City as Joelinton and William Osula both scored twice during a 4-1 victory at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have struggled in front of goal since selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day but they look more composed in the final third and will need to rediscover their attacking talent if they hope to defeat Tottenham.

Thomas Frank’s side swept into the fourth round with a cruising 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers and the new boss will be eager to win some silverware in his first year in charge.

This clash is the pick of the ones including two Premier League teams but there are some other fascinating fixtures to come. Wolves, yet to earn a point in the top flight, will play host to Chelsea who have enjoyed cup competitions under Enzo Maresca while Liverpool and Crystal Palace will play out a repeat of this year’s Community Shield when they meet at Anfield. Palace were triumphant at Wembley in what is Liverpool’s only defeat of the season so far.

Mikel Arteta named a strong team to face Port Vale on Wednesday night and goals from Ebere Eze and Leandro Trossard sent the Gunners through to the fourth round. With some slight pressure on the manager’s shoulder Arsenal will be targeting silverware this year and will need to get past Brighton to reach the quarter-finals.

Five teams from lower leagues remain in the competition with League Two’s Grimsby Town the lowest ranked among them. They were drawn at home against Brentford and will feel confident having already knocked out Manchester United from this tournament.

Elsewhere, Wycombe Wanderers will host Fulham while Championship side Swansea have a decent outing to look forward to when they take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Finally, Wrexham’s strong cup run continues and they will host a huge all-Welsh clash when they welcome Cardiff City. Both teams play in the Championship meaning at least one lower league side is guaranteed a place in the last eight.

The fourth-round ties will be played in the week commencing Monday 27 October. Here are the fixtures in full:

Follow live coverage as Tottenham Hotspur face Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup.

Newcastle are the reigning champions of the competition following a stunning win over Liverpool at Wembley last term, with Alexander Isak proving decisive to end the club's 70-year domestic trophy drought.

While all 72 clubs from the football league enter from the first round, Premier League teams enter at the second or third round stage, the latter for clubs competing in Europe this season.

The final is slated for 22 March 2026 this term, at Wembley as usual, marking the first chance for teams to earn both a trophy and a place in next season’s Uefa competitions. Follow updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke scored a late own goal as Tottenham battled back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw at the Amex Stadium.

Spurs looked destined to suffer a first top-flight away defeat since the summer appointment of Thomas Frank following first-half finishes from Seagulls pair Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari.

But Richarlison’s scrappy goal on the stroke of half-time halved the deficit before Van Hecke diverted the ball past Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen eight minutes from time, after the introduction of Xavi Simons gave the away side greater attacking threat.

A 10th point from five league fixtures under Frank lifts the Europa League holders into second spot – above north London rivals Arsenal, who host Manchester City on Sunday.

Tottenham recalled Destiny Udogie, Joao Palhinha and Wilson Odobert following Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Villarreal, while Carlos Baleba and Brajan Gruda returned as part of four Brighton changes.

The visitors began in the ascendancy but fell behind in the eighth minute.

Following good work from Gruda, Georginio Rutter’s through ball exposed Spurs’ high defensive line, allowing Minteh to race clear and calmly round goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario before prodding into the empty net.

Tottenham continued to dominate possession – without seriously threatening – only to fall further behind in the 31st minute.

After Spurs appealed in vain for a foul on Richarlison close to halfway, Ayari collected a misplaced pass from Lucas Bergvall before unleashing a swerving shot from close to the left corner of the 18-yard box which somehow deceived Vicario and flew into the far side of the net.

Tottenham eventually registered an attempt on target two minutes short of the break.

With Mohammed Kudus’ initial side-footed effort appearing to be going wide, Richarlison stopped the ball in the six-yard box before producing a sliding finish to change the complexion of the contest.

Brighton, whose claims of a handball in the build-up to the Spurs goal were waved away, opted to replace Baleba with Diego Gomez for the second period and resumed on the back foot while seeking chances to counter.

Tottenham head coach Frank brought on summer signing Simons for Rodrigo Bentancur in the 61st minute as his side sought greater creativity in the face of stubborn defending.

The Netherlands international forced a fine diving save out of Brighton keeper Verbruggen and later scuffed wide when unmarked following Kudus’ cross from the right.

Under heavy pressure, Brighton were camped deep inside their own half for most of the closing stages.

The Seagulls held out until eight minutes from time when Kudus’ inswinging delivery from the right flew into the bottom right corner off the right thigh of Van Hecke.

Spurs wanted a penalty when Simons went to grounder under a challenge from Albion substitute Diego Coppola before a deflected effort from Kudus flew narrowly over during a breathless finale.

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Luiz Junior’s own goal gifted Tottenham a 1-0 home victory over Villarreal on a night when Thomas Partey played before an appearance in court for rape and sexual assault charges.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs claimed three points on their Champions League return after the visiting goalkeeper spilled Lucas Bergvall’s fourth-minute cross in comical fashion, but it was Villarreal team-mate Partey who later took centre stage.

The former Arsenal midfielder was introduced with 12 minutes left to loud boos a month on from his appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5 – where he was charged with five counts of rape as well as a charge of sexual assault.

The lawyer for Partey, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously said he “denies all the charges against him” and he is due in court again on Wednesday morning – a matter of hours after this Champions League tie.

In the end Partey had no decisive say on the fixture as Spurs held on for a fourth victory under Frank despite only one shot on target in front of a low crowd of 54,755.

Tottenham were back in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since a 0-0 draw at home to AC Milan in March, 2023 and this time only needed four minutes to score after a 932-day wait.

It was a moment to forget for Luiz Junior, who claimed Bergvall’s cross ahead of Richarlison but allowed the ball to spill out of his grasp and across the line in agonisingly slow fashion.

Spurs boss Frank – in his maiden Champions League fixture – almost turned away before he realised that he could celebrate.

It capped a bright opening few minutes for Tottenham as home debutant Xavi Simons drilled over, but Villarreal soon started to cause problems.

Ex-Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe blocked out boos to cut inside Cristian Romero and sent a shot wide via a touch by Micky van de Ven.

Pepe then picked out Tajon Buchanan, who fired off target from a promising position.

Referee Rade Obrenovic took centre stage soon after with four yellow cards in quick succession but amidst the flurry of bookings, Pape Sarr had a low strike saved by Luiz Junior and Richarlison had a penalty appeal waved away.

Pape Gueye had barged into the Spurs forward but avoided punishment, as he did again after an accidental handball in the 42nd minute.

Tottenham squandered two more openings before half-time as Xavi and Richarlison sent efforts wide and Villarreal returned with better intent.

Not long after Partey warmed up for the first time to loud boos, Juan Foyth headed wide before Pepe fired off target.

Spurs were being punished for sloppiness in possession and Xavi was fortunate in the 66th minute when he caught Pepe but referee Obrenovic ignored Villarreal protests about a potential second yellow card and instead booked away boss Marcelino.

Xavi had another close shave when he brought down Ilias Akhomach inside the area before Partey was sent on in the 78th minute.

A flurry of chants about the former Arsenal midfielder followed but it was another player once of the red side of north London that almost produced the leveller.

Micky van de Ven brought down Georges Mikautadze on the edge of the penalty area - a foul which may have been worth of a red card - and Pepe curled the subsequent free-kick from 20 yards inches wide.

Three minutes were added but Tottenham held on to make it four wins out of six under new boss Frank.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will allow himself "two minutes" to soak up his maiden fixture in the Champions League before he shifts focus to a first win in the competition.

Tuesday's visit of Villarreal will be a debut match in Europe's elite tournament for the 51-year-old and add another notable honour in an impressive career.

Frank honed his skills as a PE teacher in his native Denmark before roles in the Danish national team youth set-up, Brondby and Brentford earned him an opportunity at Spurs this summer.

Ahead of his Champions League bow, Frank admitted: "Obviously it's a big thing. I am hugely looking forward to it.

"I know it will be special when we have that Champions League anthem playing. That will be the moment.

"Now is preparation, a few cameras, business as usual but when we walk out onto the pitch tomorrow that will be very special.

"In many ways you would say we played with Brentford in the Championship at Griffin Park, a small, compact stadium and tomorrow we are playing in one of the best stadiums in the world - maybe the best.

"In front of our fantastic fans, it is a European night and we know they will be absolutely on it. It will be so special, so yeah really looking forward to the first two minutes, the Champions League anthem and then it's focus on the game."

Frank referenced Barcelona's triumph over Sampdoria at Wembley in the 1992 European Cup final - the last year before it was revamped as the Champions League - as a standout memory of the competition.

He declined to set big goals for his "fantastic squad" but will aim to continue his excellent start - albeit will remain without forward Dominic Solanke (ankle) after he was absent from Monday's training session.

"I believe I have a fantastic squad and we would like to go as far as possible. When you're in a competition, you ultimately want to try and win it, but I think the most important thing is one game at a time," Frank added.

"We will do everything we can to get a good start."

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Tottenham embark on what six months ago seemed an impossibility as they kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Villarreal.

Spurs finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League last term but managed to qualify for Europe’s premier competition through victory in the Europa League final, beating fellow strugglers Manchester United to win their first trophy in 17 years.

And under new manager Thomas Frank, they’ve started the season in fitting fashion of a Champions League team, racking up nine points from 12 in the league after taking European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the wire in the Super Cup.

They take on Spanish outfit Villarreal in their league phase opener, who have similarly started the season in fine stead and are fifth in LaLiga after four games.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash:

When is Tottenham vs Villarreal?

Tottenham’s Champions League clash with Villarreal kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday 16 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the league phase game on Amazon Prime Video. New customers to Amazon can take out a free Prime subscription for 30 days; after that, it is £8.99 per month. You can also sign up for just Prime Video for £5.99 per month.

Team news

Dominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s demolition of West Ham on the weekend and is a big doubt for Tuesday as he nurses an ankle injury. He will likely join confirmed absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - both of whom are out with long-term injuries - while Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma are ineligible after being snubbed from the squad. New signing Randal Kolo Muani could make his debut up top in Solanke’s stead.

Villarreal will face a late fitness test for experienced striker Gerard Moreno, while Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala are out. Returning to North London will be Juan Foyth, who is expected to start against his former employers, as well as ex-Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who has just been voted the LaLiga player of the season for August. Spurs loanee Manor Solomon is also eligible to face his parent club but will struggle to break into the starting XI.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Kolo Muani, Simons.

Villarreal XI: Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze.

Tottenham win 10/11

Draw 14/5

Villarreal win 10/3

Cristian Romero believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction again but has revealed anger at a failure to act like the "big clubs" sparked his previous explosive statements.

Romero helped Spurs to a first trophy in 17 years with Europa League success in May, which earned qualification into this season's Champions League.

European glory in Bilbao came at the end of a rollercoaster campaign and Romero was no stranger to a cryptic message. Back in December he claimed Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City's spending were "things to imitate" because Tottenham's structure meant they "could easily be competing for the title every year".

Then on the day of Thomas Frank's appointment in June - after Ange Postecoglou was sacked 16 days on from the Europa League final - Romero paid tribute to his old boss for his achievements "despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist".

Ahead of Tuesday's visit of Villarreal, club captain Romero admitted: "Yes, I did a lot of interviews which seemed like I was talking badly about people inside the club but in the end I'm a person who sometimes makes mistakes and that's it.

"I always want the best for the club. Sometimes, things have been said that aren't true as well, but always everything I said is because I want there to be a structure of a club that can be at the top level, part of the big clubs.

"That's why I was sometimes so angry before, but today I see a very, very organised club with a clear idea and a coach who is organising things and everyone is seeing that in a short space of time we are with him and that's it.

"Absolutely everyone inside is looking in the same direction and that is the important thing. We hope obviously to continue like this. There are objectives for the season but as I said before, our heads are in tomorrow's game.

"We are going to enjoy that we're back in the Champions League, that's the most important thing. I see a fantastic group, a coach who leaves us with a clear idea.

"The group is very happy and we have to go game by game but I believe we can achieve great things. We hope and we are going to fight to lift another trophy."

It has been a summer of change at Spurs with Vinai Venkatesham beginning his role as chief executive in June before Daniel Levy's 24-year reign as chairman ended on September 2 after he was invited to step down in an unexpected move by majority shareholder ENIC, owned by the Lewis family.

While Romero was complimentary of Levy, he was firm in his belief that Tottenham are moving in the right direction.

He said: "I don't know what's happened, but he's a person who's been at the club for a good many years. We need to thank him, because he's the person who brought me here to Spurs."

Romero continued: "In the end it depends on everyone that we pull in the same direction.

"I think that since Thomas arrived here, they have started to take all those decisions to go in the same direction. And then when it's like that, everything runs a lot more easily, right?

"The players know what the objectives are for the season and we continue like this. We started to improve and we want another title this season.”

Frank, meanwhile, is excited to make his debut in Europe’s premier competition, having started his career in England with humble beginnings.

"Obviously it is a big thing. I am hugely looking forward to it. I am sure it will be special when we hear that Champions League anthem playing," Frank said.

"It's a new experience tomorrow in many ways. We played in the Championship with Brentford at Griffin Park in a small stadium. Tomorrow we will be in one of the best stadiums in the world playing in the Champions League."

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Tottenham begin their Champions League campaign as one of the three continental title-holders as the Europa League champions play host to Villarreal.

Spurs endured a dismal domestic season last term but found salvation on the European scene, winning a first trophy in 17 years under Ange Postecoglou to seal their place in the continent’s premier competition despite their 17th-place Premier League finish.

While glory wasn’t enough to save Postecoglou’s job, new manager Thomas Frank has made Spurs look worthy of their Champions League status in the early season, racking up nine points from 12 in the league after taking European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the wire in the Super Cup.

They’ll play PSG again in the competition’s league phase but focus will be on tonight’s opener against LaLiga outfit Villarreal, who have similarly started the new season in fine stead. Can Frank’s side get their Champions League season off to a flyer?

West Ham host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League’s late kick off today with the aim of improving their standing in the top flight table.

A rocky start to the season saw Graham Potter’s side lose their opening two matches, against Sunderland and Chelsea, to an aggregate scoreline of 8-1 before they picked up a much-needed victory in a 3-0 hammering of Nottingham Forest before the international break.

Potter’s men were given the confidence boost they needed to jump out of the relegation zone but face a solid outfit in Thomas Frank’s Spurs who begin life after Daniel Levy following the chairman’s exit from the club.

Tottenham won their opening two games, including a 2-0 victory over Man City, but slipped to a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth last time out and Frank will hope to get back to winning ways as he drives his team closer to the top of the table.