Tottenham Hotspur switch focus from Europe and the Premier League to domestic cup action this week as Thomas Frank’s side welcome Doncaster Rovers to N17 in the Carabao Cup third round.
Spurs have started the season in impressive fashion. Three wins from their opening five Premier League fixtures have been backed up by a gritty 1–0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League. Now comes a different type of challenge in managing squad depth and finding minutes for those on the fringes when League One opposition visits on Wednesday night.
Rotation is expected, with several senior players in need of rest and others itching for an opportunity. Alongside them, a handful of academy talents could be handed the chance to impress under the lights. Here are ten names who may play a part in Spurs’ first domestic cup fixture of the campaign.
Antonin Kinsky
The Czech goalkeeper has been on the bench in every competitive game so far but has yet to feature under Frank. Cup ties are traditionally the chance to rotate keepers, and with Kinsky ahead of third keeper Brandon Austin in the pecking order, this feels like the perfect opportunity for his first start of the season.
Kevin Danso
Danso has just 102 minutes to his name this season despite starting the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven ever-present in the league and Europe, Wednesday offers a realistic chance to rest one or both of them. A start for the Austrian centre-back looks all but certain.
Ben Davies
The experienced Welshman is yet to feature under Frank and missed the Brighton draw with a slight knee twist. Frank described it as “nothing serious,” and if available, Davies could slot in at either centre-back or left-back. His inclusion could see him take the armband, and allow one of the regular starters a night off.
Jun'ai Byfield
Still only 16, Byfield has already trained with the first team, travelled on pre-season tour, and sat on the bench in both the Super Cup and Champions League. A debut from the start may be unlikely, but a place among the substitutes seems very possible. If Spurs are comfortable, supporters may see one of the academy’s brightest prospects handed minutes.
16-year-old Jun’ai Byfield was part of the First Team squad’s UCL Media Access Day! 🌟📸 pic.twitter.com/39jc3r4YcG
— Spurs Army (@SpursArmyTweets) September 1, 2025
Archie Gray
The teenage midfielder has had to be patient so far this season. After a cameo against PSG and opening-day start vs Burnley, Gray has been restricted to one late substitute appearance. This feels like the right game to give him more meaningful minutes in midfield and rest one of the regular starters in Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, or Pape Matar Sarr.
Wilson Odobert
The winger earned his first start under Frank against Brighton and has appeared in every league match this season. With Mohammed Kudus likely to be rested, Odobert could well feature again from the start, and a positive showing would boost his case for more consistent inclusion.
Brennan Johnson
Last season’s Europa League final hero has been used sparingly since the international break, but the Carabao Cup presents the ideal opportunity for him to return to the XI. Johnson’s versatility across the frontline and proven eye for goal make him a strong candidate to start.
Mathys Tel
The French forward has endured a tricky start to the season, missing a penalty in the Super Cup and being left out of the Champions League squad. His minutes have been scarce since although he did start away at West Ham after the international break. A start on Wednesday, either centrally or from the left, could give him the platform to remind everyone of his ability, and a goal would do wonders for confidence.
Randal Kolo Muani
The summer signing made a brief debut cameo against Villarreal but missed the weekend trip to Brighton with a dead leg. Frank admitted it was “not settling as hoped” but added he was “hopeful” for midweek involvement. If fit, a full debut at home to Doncaster is the perfect introduction, while also resting Richarlison.
Luca Williams-Barnett
Few names are generating as much excitement among Spurs fans as Luca Williams-Barnett. The attacking midfielder turns 17 next week but has already produced six goals and four assists in just six U21 appearances this season. A starting role may come too soon, but a debut from the bench would be a landmark moment for the teenager and spark real buzz around N17.
16 year-old Luca Williams-Barnett is on a different level right now. A hat-trick plus an assist for Spurs’ U21s on Friday🤯⚽️⚽️⚽️🅰️
— The Pride Of North London (@PrideOfNorthLDN) September 22, 2025
He’s now up to 12 goals + assists in just 8 games for club & country this season… Playing up against players up to 5 years older than him 😳
One… pic.twitter.com/hVH3IcblJL
A Chance to Impress
For Frank, the Doncaster tie is a balancing act; ensuring Spurs remain competitive while rotating his squad. For the players listed above, it is a chance to prove themselves, stake a claim for more minutes, or even write the first chapter of their Spurs careers. With a blend of established internationals and rising talent, Tottenham’s first Carabao Cup outing of the season could offer plenty of intrigue beyond the scoreline.
