Tottenham Hotspur

Live Coverage: Spurs Women vs Aston Villa Women (WLC)  Tottenham Hotspur

Live Coverage: Spurs vs Doncaster Rovers  Tottenham Hotspur

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."

Last time we met...

New for this season, our Official Matchday Programme will present fans a collection of photos sourced from a deep dive into our photography archive, most of which have never been seen before, for a feature 'Spurs Unseen'.

We'll bring you a taster of the gallery here on tottenhamhotspur.com...

This time around, as we step into Carabao Cup action against Doncaster Rovers in a third round tie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.45pm), we feature a gallery of shots of legendary former striker Martin Chivers, our record goalscorer in the competition and fourth on our all-time goalscoring list behind Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith. 'Big Chiv' is indelibly linked with the League Cup after firing home both goals in the final against Villa as we first lifted the trophy in 1971...

Above - Martin fires home in extra time of our League Cup semi-final, second leg against Wolves in December 1972, a goal which secured our 4-3 aggregate win and sent us to Wembley - we beat Norwich City 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy for the second time...

Doncaster Rovers head into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with back-to-back away wins without conceding in the competition to reach this third round stage.

In one of the biggest upsets in this season’s tournament, they thumped Championship frontrunners Middlesbrough 4-0 at the Riverside in round one with Spurs loanee Damola Ajayi opening his Rovers account that night and followed that up with a 2-0 defeat away to Accrington Stanley.

Midfielder Ben Close leads the goalscoring charts in the competition this term, one of 14 players to have scored twice as he netted in both games, while fellow midfielder Owen Bailey is currently top scorer in League One having scored five times. Donny captain Bailey leads the way with headed goals (three) in the division as well, and also scored against Accrington in the Carabao Cup.

However, the Yorkshire outfit head into this encounter having suffered consecutive league defeats, going down 2-1 at home to AFC Wimbledon at the weekend after a 3-0 reverse at Wigan Athletic. Of their three league defeats this term, they’ve failed to score in two of them, also going down 2-0 at Huddersfield Town.

Despite this recent dip in league form, last season's League Two champions have made a promising start to life in the third tier with victories over Exeter City, Mansfield Town, Port Vale, Rotherham and current table toppers Bradford City as well as a solitary draw against Wycombe Wanderers. They also beat Everton Under-21s late on in their EFL Trophy opener at the start of this month.

This evening's game (kick-off 7.45pm UK) will be the 234th League Cup tie in our history. To date, we’ve won 135 of those, losing 110 and have scored 919 goals compared to 553 conceded.

Rovers manager Grant McCann on their trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

"We're really looking forward to the game and hopefully we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.

"We're playing against a top, top team and a top manager. Looking at their team that didn't play against Brighton every single one of them are internationals. It's going to be an almighty task. Nobody in the country will give us any hope of going there and doing anything. There's no pressure at all on us and hopefully we play our game and see how it goes.

"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."

McCann on Thomas Frank's journey...

"It doesn't surprise me. I remember playing against his Brentford side when I was at Hull. I remember going into the office for a beer after one game with him and he was just a genuine guy. I've kept in touch a wee bit with him on and off over the years and he was speaking to me about signing Keane Lewis-Potter (from Hull) at the Football League awards recently.

"So he's a really good guy and has a really good way about him and his teams are exciting to watch. And it looks like he's changed his style slightly in terms of how he plays from a 3-5-2 at Brentford to more of a 4-3-3 and expansive at Tottenham and that shows his capabilities and that he can adapt to what he's got."

Head-to-head

Our record against Doncaster Rovers:

Games Played: 9

Wins: 6

Defeats: 1

Draws: 2

Goals Scored: 24

Goals Conceded: 8

Previous meeting

Here's a look at our Carabao Cup third round record as we prepare to open our 2025/26 journey in the competition this Wednesday against Doncaster Rovers.

On Wednesday night, we take on Doncaster round three of the competition at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (7.45pm kick-off UK), but how have we fared at this stage over the years?

Our League Cup third round record

The visit of Donny will be our 51st appearance in the third round of the League Cup.

Our record to date stands at 36 wins and 14 defeats.

We went on to win the competition from four of those 36 victories, lifting the trophy in 1971, 1973, 1999 and 2008.

In the last 10 years, we have progressed from seven of our third round ties. Although only four of those have come in 90 minutes, with two won via penalties (Watford 2018/19 and Wolves 2021/22) while we were given a bye in 2020/21 having been due to face Leyton Orient.

The four wins in normal time came against lower league opposition with wins over then Championship sides Nottingham Forest (2014/15), Barnsley (2017/18) and Coventry (2024/25), as well as League outfit Gillingham (2016/17).

Watch - Late show sees Coventry edged in 2024/25 third round

Doncaster's third round record

This will be Rover's first appearance in the third round of the competition since 2017/18 when they also came up against north London opposition as they travelled to the Emirates in September, 2017. Against the Gunners, they fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Only twice in their history have Doncaster progressed past the third round - those occasions were in 1975/76 when they reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time and at that stage again in 2005/06.

Coincidentally, the first of their two last eight appearances saw them face us - we ran out 7-2 winners. In their only other appearance at that stage (05/06), it was Arsenal they faced - the Gunners winning 3-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time at the Keepmoat Stadium.

They have played eight third round fixtures to date, winning two and losing six. Their wins at this stage have come against Torquay United (75/76) and Gillingham (05/06).

We host Doncaster Rovers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow evening (7.45pm) in a Carabao Cup third-round clash. If you’re joining us for this fixture, please read our travel update ahead of planning your journey to the stadium.

Frequent services are anticipated through White Hart Lane, Northumberland Park, Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale before and after the game.

A reminder that parking enforcement measures are in place on matchdays. An extended Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) operates in Haringey and Enfield, so supporters are strongly encouraged to use public transport to travel to the stadium.

Supporters with Blue Badges can park within the CPZ – but are reminded that the Blue Badge Holder must be present with the badge. Please see here for further details about Blue Badge parking.

Supporters can stay up to date with the latest travel news via TfL.gov.uk and nationalrail.co.uk, and receive real-time updates via the Spurs Matchday Info channel on WhatsApp.

Stay up to date - Spurs matchday info on WhatsApp

You can stay up to date with important matchday information – including real-time travel updates – by following our Spurs Matchday Info channel on WhatsApp.

Simply click here or search for Spurs matchday info in your WhatsApp Updates section.

Stations

Please note that Bruce Grove and Silver Street stations will be closed for two hours post-match on Wednesday.

White Hart Lane

On the Weaver line, 11 services are expected to call at White Hart Lane in both directions before and after the game. Services operate between Liverpool Street and Enfield Town/Cheshunt.

Supporters travelling to Liverpool Street post-match are reminded that Northumberland Park services have greater capacity and frequency to those at White Hart Lane, and the journey time should be shorter as there are fewer stops.

Post-match the final southbound train to Liverpool Street is scheduled to depart at 11.48pm, while the final northbound trains are scheduled to depart at 12.04am (Cheshunt) and 12.19am (Enfield Town).

White Hart Lane is a fully accessible station.

Northumberland Park

If travelling on Greater Anglia services, we recommend using Northumberland Park as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Tottenham Hale.

Northumberland Park is also recommended for supporters heading to Liverpool Street after the game as it will have a higher train capacity than White Hart Lane.

The following services will be in operation through Northumberland Park on Wednesday evening:

Pre-match northbound: 9 trains per hour

Post-match northbound: 13 trains per hour, including 2 Stansted Express services

Pre-match southbound: 7 trains per hour, including 4 Stansted Express services

Post-match southbound: 12 trains per hour, including 4 Stansted Express services

For fans travelling towards Liverpool Street after the match, please note that the final southbound service is due to depart Northumberland Park at 12.11am.

For fans travelling northbound, the final services depart at 11.44pm (Cambridge), 11.58pm (Hertford East) and 12.13am (Bishops Stortford).

CLICK HERE to view the full Greater Anglia timetable...

Tottenham Hale

Tottenham Hale is a fully accessible station and is served by the Victoria line and Greater Anglia services.

Supporters travelling on the Victoria line are encouraged to use Tottenham Hale rather than Seven Sisters as it is a shorter journey to and from the stadium. Victoria line services will operate every 2-3 minutes in both directions before and after the game.

There will also be 12 Greater Anglia services per hour operating in each direction through Tottenham Hale, including 4 Stansted Express trains each way. We recommend using Northumberland Park for Greater Anglia services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Tottenham Hale.

Seven Sisters

Victoria line services will be operating every 2-3 minutes in each direction before and after the game.

Pre-match, a diversion route will be in place at Birstall Road for pedestrians entering Seven Sisters station for interchange between the Victoria line and London Overground services. This is to avoid congestion on the northbound platform.

We encourage supporters to consider using Tottenham Hale for Victoria Line services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Seven Sisters.

Queue management

Victoria line services will be operating every 2-3 minutes in each direction before and after the game.

Pre-match, a diversion route will be in place at Birstall Road for pedestrians entering Seven Sisters station for interchange between the Victoria line and London Overground services. This is to avoid congestion on the northbound platform.

We encourage supporters to consider using Tottenham Hale for Victoria Line services as it is a shorter distance to the stadium than Seven Sisters.

Shuttle buses

The Club operates a free Shuttle Bus service from Wood Green (Piccadilly Line) and Alexandra Palace (Great Northern) stations to the stadium.

The Piccadilly line is expected to operate with services every 2-3 minutes in both directions throughout the evening.

The Great Northern line will operate 10 northbound and 8 southbound trains per hour through Alexandra Palace before the match, and 6 northbound and 7 southbound services afterwards.

CLICK HERE to book your place on a Shuttle Bus...

Cycling

Extra parking facilities for dockless bikes are available in the surrounding area, making cycling to the stadium easier than ever. Here’s a list of locations where you can start and end your journey:

High Road

Cedar Road

Ruskin Road (North)

Ruskin Road (South)

Church Road

Brereton Road (North)

Brereton Road (South)

White Hart Lane

Vicarage Road

Lansdowne Road

Scotland Green

Pembury Road (North)

Pembury Road (South)

Bike stands also remain available at Tottenham Community Sports Centre and St Francis De Sales School, which are both located on the High Road. Dedicated bicycle parking is also available on-street around the stadium.

Although our Bag Policy still applies, stewards will be briefed regarding cyclists’ need to carry helmets, puncture kits and removable seats into the stadium.

CLICK HERE to read our Bag Policy...

Controlled Parking Zone

A reminder that parking enforcement measures are in place on matchdays. An extended Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) operates in Haringey and Enfield, so supporters are strongly encouraged to use public transport to travel to the stadium.

Supporters with Blue Badges can park within the CPZ – but are reminded that the Blue Badge Holder must be present with the badge. Please see here for further details.

Road closures

Please note, our major event day road closure measures will be in place.

TfL bus services will return to normal operation as soon as possible after the local road closures are lifted.

Last time out | Summanen's stunner vs Aston Villa

Akhamrich excited for 'physical' test of Plymouth  Tottenham Hotspur

Under-21s Coach Wayne Burnett takes his team to one of his former clubs, Plymouth Argyle, in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday night (7pm UK, live on Spy Sports+).

Wayne spent just over two years as a player at Home Park between 1993 and 1995, helping them reach the Second Division play-offs at the end of his first season there in 1993/94.

The former midfielder says he’s excited about returning to the south coast with his young charges as we look to earn victory and boost our hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament, which sees Under-21 sides from top-level clubs facing senior teams from the EFL.

“I’m looking forward to it,” smiled Wayne. “I’ve not been back there for quite some time so I’m excited about going back. They’ve developed one or two of the stands at Home Park since I was there but it’s a ground that I like, the supporters are very passionate and they get right behind their team. I played there for two-and-a-half years and I have some good memories.”

Since our draw and subsequent penalty shootout loss to Bristol Rovers in our first match in this season’s Vertu Trophy last month, Plymouth have beaten Cheltenham Town 2-0 at home, putting them top of the early standings in Southern Group B. Wayne knows victory for us on Tuesday will be important if we’re to maintain a chance of getting through to the next stage.

“In order for us to qualify, we’re going to have to go there and get a good result,” he said. “We’ve got a point from the first game and obviously Plymouth won their first game, so it’ll be two teams determined to get a victory to progress. It’ll be a good test for our players and one that we’re looking forward to.”

Tickets for Tuesday evening’s match are available via Plymouth Argyle’s ticketing website.

Supporters based in the UK will be able to watch the game live on Sky Sports+.

Live text updates will also be available via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app.

Highlights | U21s face Bristol Rovers in Vertu Trophy opener