The hallowed turf of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to host a classic David-versus-Goliath encounter as Premier League stalwarts Tottenham Hotspur face off against newly-promoted League One side Doncaster Rovers in what promises to be an intriguing EFL Cup clash on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 18:45 BST. This fixture, a true test of resolve and ambition, sees a Spurs side, fresh off a remarkable Europa League triumph last season, looking to assert their domestic cup dominance, while Doncaster Rovers, buoyant from their League Two promotion, will be dreaming of a monumental upset.
What’s truly at stake beyond progression in the cup? For Tottenham, under the stewardship of Thomas Frank, it’s about maintaining momentum, providing valuable minutes to their expansive squad, and demonstrating their pedigree against lower-league opposition without complacency. For Doncaster, managed by Grant McCann, this represents a golden opportunity to measure themselves against one of England’s elite, to inspire their fanbase, and perhaps, to etch their name into cup folklore with an unforgettable performance. Will Spurs’ depth and quality prove too much, or can Doncaster’s newfound confidence and fighting spirit spark a famous giant-killing?
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between Tottenham Hotspur and Doncaster Rovers have been a rare occurrence, largely due to their differing league standings. The two clubs have met a total of nine times in all competitions. Tottenham Hotspur boasts a significant advantage, having secured six victories, while two matches have ended in a draw. Doncaster Rovers’ sole triumph against the North London club dates back to their inaugural encounter in the 1935-36 Second Division campaign.
Their most recent clashes have been in cup competitions. Tottenham convincingly defeated Doncaster 5-1 in the EFL Cup in August 2009, a match where Tom Huddlestone, Jamie O’Hara, Peter Crouch, David Bentley, and Roman Pavlyuchenko all found the net for Spurs. Prior to that, in December 1975, Spurs ran riot with a 7-2 victory over Doncaster in the EFL Cup. Notably, the two teams have not contested a league match since February 1948, highlighting the significant gap in their league trajectories over the past seven decades.
Recent Meetings:
- August 26, 2009: Doncaster Rovers 1-5 Tottenham Hotspur (EFL Cup)
- December 3, 1975: Tottenham Hotspur 7-2 Doncaster Rovers (EFL Cup)
- February 14, 1948: Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Division Two)
- September 17, 1947: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Doncaster Rovers (Division Two)
- April 17, 1937: Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Division Two)
Current Form & Team News
Tottenham Hotspur: The 2024-2025 season saw Tottenham Hotspur endure a challenging Premier League campaign, finishing 17th with just 38 points, their lowest top-flight finish in 48 years. However, they dramatically redeemed their season by clinching the UEFA Europa League title, securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final, which subsequently qualified them for the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League. Under new manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham has reportedly made an impressive start to the 2025-2026 Premier League season, accumulating ten points from their first five matches and sitting third in the table, having lost just one game. Their recent form includes a 2-2 draw against Brighton in the Premier League and a 1-0 Champions League victory against Villarreal.
Given their busy schedule, including Champions League commitments, manager Thomas Frank is expected to rotate his squad significantly for this EFL Cup tie. Several first-team players are currently sidelined with injuries, including Randal Kolo Muani (minor injury), Kōta Takai, Radu Drăgușin, Dejan Kuluševski, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke. This opens the door for fringe players and promising youngsters, with Antonín Kinský likely to make his season debut in goal.
Doncaster Rovers: Doncaster Rovers enjoyed a highly successful 2024-2025 season, finishing first in League Two and earning promotion to League One. Under Grant McCann, they had a strong start to their League One campaign, winning five of their first seven fixtures. However, they have recently suffered successive defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Wigan and a late 2-1 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon, causing them to slip to seventh in the League One table.
Doncaster’s squad, bolstered by eight new signings in the summer of 2025, appears to have good depth for League One. Luke Molyneux was their top goalscorer in the 2024-2025 season with 18 goals across all competitions. Veteran striker Billy Sharp was also a notable addition for the 2024-2025 season. No specific injury concerns have been highlighted for Doncaster, suggesting they will likely field a strong side for this high-profile fixture.
Tactical Preview
Tottenham Hotspur, even with significant rotation, will likely adopt a dominant, possession-based style of play under Thomas Frank, often employing a 4-3-3 formation. They will aim to control the midfield, exploit wide areas with pace, and create numerous chances through intricate passing and dynamic movement. Expect a high defensive line and aggressive pressing to win the ball back quickly, suffocating Doncaster’s attempts to build play.
Doncaster Rovers, facing a Premier League giant away from home, are expected to set up defensively, likely in a compact 4-4-2 or even a 5-3-2 formation, prioritizing solidity and denying Tottenham space in dangerous areas. Their strategy will probably revolve around absorbing pressure, frustrating their opponents, and looking to hit Spurs on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace of players like Luke Molyneux and the experience of Billy Sharp. Set pieces will also be a key avenue for them to create opportunities.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Tottenham’s rotated midfield, potentially featuring Pape Matar Sarr and Xavi Simons, will aim to dictate the tempo and supply the attacking trio. Doncaster’s midfield will need to be disciplined and energetic, breaking up play and shielding their defense. Weather conditions in North London in late September are typically mild, and the pristine pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will favor Tottenham’s fluid passing game. While travel fatigue might be a minor factor for Doncaster, the primary challenge for Spurs will be integrating rotated players while maintaining high performance levels amidst their demanding schedule.
