Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side are looking to avoid a major upset as they kick off their Carabao Cup campaign against League One side Doncaster Rovers tonight. The Spurs boss has made it clear that he’s targeting silverware this season, but faces a selection headache with key players sidelined.
TEAM NEWS: YOUNG GUNS GET THEIR CHANCE! As Spurs enter the competition in the third round, Thomas Frank is set to rotate his squad heavily. Youngsters like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel are all in line for a start, with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky making his first start of the season. Spurs loanee Damola Ajayi has been given permission to play against his parent club.
INJURY NIGHTMARE! Spurs are without several key players due to injury, including Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies, who have both been ruled out. This leaves a potential hole in the defense, with 16-year-old Ju’nai Byfield a possible option to fill in.
MANAGER’S VOW! Frank has promised to take the game seriously, stating that he wants his team to “compete across all four competitions.” Doncaster manager Grant McCann is under no pressure, admitting that “nobody in the country will give us any hope of going there and doing anything.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY Spurs have a strong historical record against Doncaster, having not lost to them since 1935. Their last meeting was in the League Cup in 2009, when Spurs ran out comfortable 5-1 winners.
PREDICTION! Despite the injury concerns and squad rotation, Spurs are expected to comfortably progress to the next round, with a predicted score of 2-0.
