How to Watch the Game
The third‑round clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Doncaster Rovers kicks off at 7:45 pm UK time on September 24, 2025, from the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In Britain the live broadcast is on Sky Sports+, while fans outside the UK can find regional streaming options via the club’s official website. For viewers who miss the action, the Spurs app and website provide live text and audio commentary, with highlight reels posted on the club’s YouTube and social channels shortly after full‑time.
Team News and Tactical Preview
Both managers enter the tie with different storylines. Thomas Frank’s Spurs are fresh off a four‑win run in all competitions and are keen to avoid the embarrassment of a repeat early‑round exit like the 2022‑23 season. Grant McCann’s Doncaster, sitting seventh in League One, have already turned heads by thumping Middlesbrough 4‑0 and keeping clean sheets against Accrington Stanley.
Carabao Cup action often produces surprise results, but the quality gap between a Premier League side and a third‑tier club is stark. Tottenham will likely line up in a 4‑3‑3, giving Antonin Kinsky his first start between the posts after a season‑long spell on the bench. The midfield could feature a blend of experience and youth, with James Maddison still sidelined, leaving room for Dominic Solanke or a creative outlet like Dejan Kulusevski if he recovers.
Injury updates for Tottenham:
- Ben Davies – out (knee)
- Randal Kolo Muani – out (dead leg)
- Yves Bissouma – unavailable
- James Maddison – unavailable
- Dejan Kulusevski – doubtful
- Radu Dragusin – unavailable
Doncaster’s lineup will be shaped by a hamstring problem that ruled midfielder Harry Clifton out. The visitors retain the services of loanee Damola Ajayi – the player who opened their first‑round win over Middlesbrough – and could field former Spurs academy keeper Thimothé Lo‑Tutala, adding a neat twist to the fixture.
Key offensive figures for Doncaster include Ben Close, who has already scored in each cup round, and Owen Bailey, the League One top scorer with five league goals and three headed strikes. Their recent league form, however, is wobbling after consecutive defeats to Wigan Athletic (3‑0) and AFC Wimbledon (2‑1). McCann’s comments underline the realistic mindset: he respects Spurs’ pedigree while insisting his side will focus on playing its own game.
Spurs’ recent form offers optimism. After lifting the Europa League last season, the club has won four of its last six matches across all fronts, showing attacking fluidity and defensive solidity. If the front three – likely Harry Kane, Heung‑min Son and a newcomer – can exploit Doncaster’s defensive frailties, a comfortable win is plausible.
Statistically, Tottenham dominate possession and expected goals in the Premier League, while Doncaster’s cup success has hinged on solid defending and set‑piece efficiency. The expected battle will see Spurs press high, aiming to force errors, while the Rovers will likely sit deep, looking to counter‑attack and make the most of any aerial opportunities.
In summary, the match promises a classic cup narrative: a top‑flight side eager to add to its silverware cabinet versus a lower‑league underdog hoping to script another upset. With the broadcast options clear and team news largely set, fans can tune in and watch whether Spurs’ quality translates into a three‑goal cushion or if Doncaster can nervously cling to its cup dream.