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One has to go back 16 years for the last time Tottenham Hotspur played Doncaster Rovers, and it was an evening to remember for the Lilywhites, with some fan favourites getting on the scoresheet.

Some Tottenham players have said they are hungry to win more silverware after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao back in May.

The Carabao Cup offers Spurs the best chance of winning trophies in back-to-back seasons, and they kick off their campaign with a clash at Doncaster at home.

Thomas Frank is expected to rotate his squad significantly against Doncaster, and the game provides a great opportunity for some of Spurs’ squad players to impress.

Tottenham’s memorable night at Doncaster in 2009

The last time Tottenham Hotspur played Doncaster was back in 2009, and that was also a League Cup clash, played at the Eco-Power Stadium, which was known as the Keepmoat Stadium at the time.

Peter Crouch made his first start for the Lilywhites following his move from Portsmouth in the summer, and he opened his account in front of goal for Spurs while fan favourite, Romano Pavlyuchenko, also found the back of the net. Danny Rose even made his Tottenham debut off the bench.

David Bentley, Tom Huddlestone and Jamie O’Hara were Tottenham’s other three goalscorers, while the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Giovani Dos Santos also featured.

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Watch the highlights below:

Tottenham’s record against Doncaster

According to Tottenham’s official website, Spurs have played against Doncaster on nine occasions in their history. Their first ever meeting was a Second Division clash in December 1935, with Rovers running out 2-1 winners.

Thomas Frank has opened up on his working relationship with Vinai Venkatesham, giving Tottenham fans an insight into how the new structure at the club is already beginning to take shape.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered a new chapter, one that began with the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.

Thomas Frank’s side marked the start of this fresh regime with a win over London rivals West Ham United, and they are yet to taste defeat under the new leadership.

Levy’s 24-year reign brought just two trophies, and there is now a clear sense around the club that Tottenham are determined to improve on that record with the changes being made at the boardroom level.

Thomas Frank praises Vinai Venkatesham’s approach at Tottenham

The club’s restructuring has seen Vinai Venkatesham step in as CEO, with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the football side of operations.

Speaking about his early impressions of working alongside Venkatesham, Thomas Frank revealed that he has been struck by the new chief executive’s character and decision-making process, while stressing how valuable his calmness is in the often-heated world of football.

Speaking to Football.London, Frank said, “I really like working together with Vinai. Obviously, I did not know him before I joined Spurs.

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“From day one, he comes across like a fantastic person. Really a person that I think understands people and is very approachable.

“As far as I learned or experienced his processes, calm, good processes, listen, and from that he takes good, calm decisions. That is a strength in this sometimes a tiny bit emotional football world.”

Spurs fans have already heard a lot from Venkatesham

Tottenham supporters are not strangers to Venkatesham, who has been present at a number of matches since his arrival.

He has also made regular appearances across the club’s own channels, often taking time to explain structural changes and outline Tottenham’s long-term plans, something that Spurs are looking to improve on in this new era.

Most recently, Venkatesham revealed how the Lewis family have ambitious long-term aims for Tottenham since the departure of Daniel Levy.

The overall ambition of Tottenham to improve on the football pitch is clear, and if it is to be achieved, then it is vital that the manager and the chief executive maintain a strong working relationship, as unity across all levels of the club will be the driving force behind success.

Thomas Frank is set to field a strong Tottenham XI in the Carabao Cup clash against Doncaster Rovers, although the manager has hinted that some youngsters may be given a place on the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup campaign gets underway this Wednesday, with League One side Doncaster Rovers travelling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It will be a tie Thomas Frank knows his side must approach with the right mentality, as the new Spurs boss looks to lay down a marker in the competition.

With Tottenham aiming to compete on multiple fronts this season, the Carabao Cup presents another opportunity to keep silverware hopes alive, particularly after their Europa League success last term.

Thomas Frank wants a strong Tottenham team against Doncaster Rovers

Frank has yet to claim a major trophy in his managerial career, and he knows full well that going deep into this competition would provide a real chance to finally deliver silverware.

The Tottenham boss has now stressed that Spurs will not be taking Doncaster lightly and admitted there will be some rotation, but the priority remains victory.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Frank told the club’s official channel: “We are really looking forward to it. We will do everything we can to win it. Naturally there will be a little bit of rotation.

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‘They have Grant McCann who I know very well. I faced him in the Championship. We need to play at our highest level and get into the next round.”

When asked about Tottenham’s approach to the Carabao Cup this season, Frank was very clear about his intentions: “We need to take one game at a time. It is about winning the next one. There is no reason to speak about what may happen in the future.”

He also reflected on lessons from past cup campaigns, pointing to how unpredictable knockout football can be: “It definitely taught me everything is possible. We went in very focused and very aware of what could happen. Gillingham, we put a very strong team out there.

“Football, anything can happen. It is a low-scoring game. Doncaster are doing well in League One. We need to be on it.”

Spurs boss Thomas Frank hints at bench places for youngsters

Frank also recognises that squad depth will play a crucial role across the season, and while he insists his starting line-ups will always be strong, he admitted there may be room for young players to feature from the bench.

Explaining his approach to cup competitions, Frank said: “It is a balance. I would like us to compete in all four tournaments across the year. If you are going to do that, you need to pick the right team all the time.

“I think every time we put a team out there it is super strong. We need to hit that perfect number of players that rotate and a strong team. It will be a strong team tomorrow.”

He also revealed that opportunities could arise for academy talents who have impressed in youth football: “I think it will be a great opportunity to have some of the young ones on the bench.

“It is a privilege to be able to give someone a debut. Obviously, they have to show it in U18s, U21s, national team and with us to get the opportunity.”

Tottenham could face one of their own when Doncaster Rovers visit N17 in the Carabao Cup, with an unusual twist set to take centre stage under the lights.

The Carabao Cup returns this midweek, and Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to give a strong account of themselves in the competition, having managed to reach the semi-final last time out.

Awaiting them in round three is League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, who will be making the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with hopes of pulling off a shock result.

This competition also offers Thomas Frank the chance to claim a first piece of silverware as Tottenham boss, which would equally mark the first major trophy of his managerial career, so there is every reason to expect that Frank will treat the Carabao Cup tie with the seriousness it deserves.

Tottenham allow Damola Ajayi to feature for Doncaster

Tottenham are also set to welcome back a familiar face to N17 on Wednesday night, as Damola Ajayi prepares to line up against his parent club.

The 19-year-old forward joined Doncaster on loan in the summer, having shown glimpses of his talent in pre-season when he scored four goals for the League One side.

It is an unusual situation given Tottenham’s option to block the appearance of their own player, but in this case, the club have decided otherwise.

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Speaking to the club’s official channel on the decision to allow Ajayi to play, Frank explained that the move was ultimately about development.

He said, “We decided to loan him out because it is good for his development. We were not that lucky to face one of our own players. It is a great opportunity for him.”

Ajayi’s challenge at Doncaster

Ajayi is remembered by Spurs fans for opening his account with the club in last season’s Europa League victory against Elfsborg, a moment that showcased his potential as a natural goal scorer.

However, life at Doncaster has been slower to catch fire, as he has only managed 131 minutes of football so far this season.

The youngster is yet to score a competitive goal and has not started back-to-back matches, which underlines how much he still needs to prove in League One before pushing for a place back at Tottenham.

This Carabao Cup clash offers him a chance to make an impression, but it also leaves Tottenham supporters with mixed emotions, knowing one of their own could be the player to cause them problems in a competition they would want to win.

Thomas Frank has provided an update on Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery, and it is good news for Tottenham Hotspur fans.

Tottenham Hotspur have begun the season without Dejan Kulusevski, with the Swedish international sidelined after undergoing surgery on his patella, an injury carried over from last season.

Frank’s side have coped reasonably well in his absence, picking up three wins from their opening five league fixtures and currently sitting in third place, which is a solid return given the quality of opposition faced.

Kulusevski is continuing his recovery process, with reports split over his likely return date, some suggesting October while others believe it could come as early as next year.

Speaking to Football London, Thomas Frank was asked about Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery and when fans might expect to see him back on the pitch.

The manager chose not to put a firm timeline on the return, instead stressing his desire to have him available as soon as possible.

He said: “Kulusevski is a top player. I always liked him when I saw him from afar. Key player for us, key player for me. I’m not putting a month on it but I want him back as soon as possible and he’s working hard to do that as are the staff. He will be back before the end of this year.

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Spurs midfielders step up in Kulusevski’s absence

Thomas Frank has been creative in handling the absence of Dejan Kulusevski, often turning to Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall in advanced midfield roles.

Both youngsters have impressed, showing maturity beyond their years and proving capable of carrying out the tactical instructions required in that position.

The duo have offered energy and composure when asked to play in that creative role, ensuring Tottenham have not been left short of ideas in the final third despite losing a key player.

Thomas Frank has delivered an update on the Tottenham squad ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round clash, as Spurs look to balance injuries with the need to progress in another competition.

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to embark on their journey in a third competition this season, with the Carabao Cup now set to get underway in midweek.

Frank’s men will host League One side Doncaster Rovers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a tie that on paper looks favourable, yet it still demands a professional performance to avoid any early exit.

A win in this fixture would only strengthen the momentum Spurs are carrying into the season, particularly with the club eager to compete deep into every competition, following their Europa League success last campaign.

Spurs reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals last season, and Thomas Frank will be eager to go one better this time, as he looks to guide the club to their first triumph in the competition since 2008.

With Doncaster Rovers standing in their way, attention turns firmly to this midweek tie, and Frank will need to rotate and manage his squad carefully, given the injury situation.

James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dejan Kulusevski all remain sidelined, while there is some optimism surrounding Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke, who have both resumed training, although their availability is still uncertain.

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Randal Kolo Muani, who had been struggling with a dead leg, could return to the squad after Frank confirmed his recovery is progressing well, while Yves Bissouma is another player who will miss out.

Speaking to the club’s official channels about the current state of his squad, Frank explained: “It looks… good. Everyone available last time is available again.”

On Dominic Solanke and Kota Takai, he said: “They are progressing. They both trained with the team today.” However, Frank ruled both Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies out of the match completely.

Tottenham fans are making it clear that Thomas Frank must hand a start to a former academy star once hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by Jose Mourinho, as they look ahead to this week’s Carabao Cup tie.

Tottenham Hotspur will take a short breather from Premier League and Champions League duty in midweek, as attention shifts towards the Carabao Cup.

The competition is no stranger to Spurs, with the club going deep into it last season and reaching the semi-finals before bowing out.

It remains one of the few pieces of silverware Tottenham have lifted in the last two decades, with their last triumph in the competition coming back in 2008, while they also came close in 2021, losing to Manchester City in the final.

Tottenham fans want Dane Scarlett to start against Doncaster Rovers

Thomas Frank is unlikely to overlook the Carabao Cup, and with Doncaster Rovers set to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is every expectation Spurs will line up with victory in mind.

Squad rotation will play a major role, with Frank expected to hand opportunities to players who have not featured regularly in the first team so far this season.

Amongst the talk, Tottenham fans have been insistent that Dane Scarlett, a player Mourinho once described as ‘phenomenal’, deserves a place in the starting eleven.

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Supporters have voiced their opinion across social media, with one saying: “100% yes,” when asked about Scarlett starting on Wednesday.

Another added: “Yes, otherwise what is the point having him in the squad? If he cannot get minutes against Doncaster at this stage of his development, it might be time to move him on.”

A third fan commented: “He needs to start. I do not know why he does not get more time for us, he is a decent enough player. A good Championship loan with guaranteed minutes would do him the world of good.”

Others echoed the call, one writing: “Scarlett should start the game, it is going to be a long season and we need to give youth good chances,” while another summed it up simply: “Yes, I would.”

The final comment reflected the wider mood: “Yes, I want to see a few youngsters under Frank given an opportunity. Perfect game for it, and a good little insight to mix it up under a solid, structured manager.”

Dane Scarlett’s future under Thomas Frank

Scarlett, 21, is a player who still carries significant potential, but he has yet to truly showcase it in a Tottenham shirt.

Competition in the forward line is strong, with the likes of Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani and Brennan Johnson all pushing for more minutes, which makes it even harder for the youngster to break through.

He has yet to feature in a competitive game under Frank, and while a start may be unlikely, a cameo appearance off the bench could well be a realistic chance for him to impress.

Tottenham Hotspur’s achievement against Manchester City in gameweek two is a big indication of just how difficult Thomas Frank’s men are to play against.

Tottenham have conceded just three goals so far in their six matches across all competitions, which is a dramatic improvement from last season.

Spurs have the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, with only Arsenal and Crystal Palace having conceded fewer goals so far.

That is down to the defensive organisation implemented by Thomas Frank, who has emphasised clean sheets from the day he walked through the door.

Tottenham achieved something unique against Man City

Man City have not been at their free-flowing best at the start of this season, as evidenced by the fact that Tottenham emerged with a comfortable 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Erling Haaland has been on fire at the start of the campaign, having scored seven in six matches for Man City.

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The match against Tottenham Hotspur is the only league game where the Norwegian star failed to find the back of the net.

In fact, Haaland had just one attempt on goal against Spurs, which shows just how rarely the Lilywhites give up goalscoring chances under Frank.

How good is the Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven pairing?

Jamie O’Hara got blasted for suggesting Tottenham have the best centre-back partnership in the world, but the former Spurs midfielder certainly has a point.

The duo did not get the credit they deserved over the last two seasons due to how open Tottenham were at the back under Ange Postecoglou.

However, there is no doubt that they both possess world-class attributes and complement each other well. As a pairing, they have the pace, strength, and defensive nous to keep any centre-forward quiet.

Danny Murphy has seen enough of Tottenham Hotspur to believe that they can set their objectives very high this season.

Spurs have surprised most people with the start they have made to the campaign, with Thomas Frank not taking long to put his imprint on the side.

Frank has said that he will not pay any attention to the Premier League table for now, but Tottenham fans will certainly be delighted to see their side in third place after having to endure a difficult 2024-25 campaign domestically.

Spurs failed to pick up all three points at the Amex Stadium, but Murphy saw further evidence at the Amex Stadium that this Tottenham team is a transformed one this season.

Danny Murphy says Tottenham should be aiming for a top-four finish

Despite their impressive start to the season, Tottenham have only been given an 18.26 per cent chance of qualifying for the Champions League by Opta’s Supercomputer.

However, Murphy has remarked that Frank’s men certainly passed the eye-test with how organised they were against Brighton despite throwing bodies forward.

The former Spurs midfielder suggested that the Lilywhites should be setting their sights on a top-four finish.

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The pundit said (via BBC Sport): “Players taking responsibility is what a manager wants to see. They were still getting men in the box and were brave enough to get on the ball,” he said.

“It was structured, it wasn’t chaotic, it was really well done. This team are so fit and well organised. They just kept going and really limited Brighton to very few chances, which is difficult when you’re throwing men forward.

“They got their rewards, and they deserved a win. Top four have to be their ambition. They have got a really good squad and competition for places.”

Thomas Frank has already spelt out Tottenham’s ambitions

Before the start of the season, Frank made it clear that he wants Tottenham to be competitive on all four fronts.

The Dane pointed out that it is something that Spurs have not managed to do in 2019. He certainly has set the tone at the start of the season and has not been shy of rotating his squad.

What has been pleasing so far is that the 51-year-old has got performances out of the team even while rotating his squad, which was not the case under his predecessor.

Thomas Frank may be enjoying an encouraging start at Tottenham, but he cannot afford to take the Carabao Cup lightly, as it offers both a realistic chance at silverware and a valuable opportunity to keep his squad sharp across a long season.

Tottenham Hotspur are now set to turn their attention to the Carabao Cup this midweek after featuring in both the Premier League and Champions League in the past few weeks.

Thomas Frank’s side has given a good account of themselves with their performances in the Champions League and Premier League, showing promise under the new manager in what is already shaping up to be a demanding season.

An opening day win in the Champions League was the perfect way for Tottenham to mark their return to Europe’s premier competition, while three wins, one draw and a defeat, leaving them in third place, is a solid enough start to life under Frank in the Premier League.

It is expected to be a long season for Tottenham, and in the early stages, Spurs’ focus has to be on staying in all competitions, including the Carabao Cup.

For many fans, the Carabao Cup is often looked down on and seen as a lesser trophy, and while it does not compare to the more prestigious honours on offer, Tottenham must still take the competition seriously for a number of reasons.

Why Frank cannot ignore the Carabao Cup with Tottenham

Spurs need to build on their Europa League success from last season by winning more silverware to maintain a winning mentality within the club, as no supporter would want to wait another 17 years for the next major trophy.

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The Carabao Cup presents the perfect opportunity for Frank and his players to do just that, as the chances of going all the way in this competition are far greater when compared to the Champions League or a Premier League title push, with the FA Cup another demanding route that will bring its own challenges.

Last season, an injury-hit Tottenham side came close to the final in the Carabao Cup, even beating Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final before losing on aggregate, and one would believe that if Frank’s team remain fit and prioritise the tournament, they stand a genuine chance of going further and perhaps lifting the trophy outright.

Frank’s personal motivation in the Carabao Cup

Another reason why Frank should be careful not to overlook the Carabao Cup would be for a more personal reason.

The Dane has yet to win a major trophy in his career, and while that did not prevent him from landing a top job at Tottenham, winning silverware, even if it is the Carabao Cup, would no doubt calm a few nerves and help build much-needed trust with the club’s supporters.

The final of the competition falls in the middle of the season, and regardless of Tottenham’s situation at that stage, a cup win would provide both the players and the manager with an extra lift, reinforcing belief and momentum that could prove crucial later in the campaign.