Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic: EFL Cup Preview, Team News, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton Athletic at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight in the second round of the 2026/27 EFL Cup, with both London clubs approaching the tie from very different positions.

Tottenham enter the match under pressure after suffering a 3-0 defeat away to Brentford in their Premier League opener. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has called for a stronger winning mentality as Spurs look to produce an immediate response in front of their home supporters. Reuters reports that De Zerbi is demanding greater consistency from a heavily rebuilt squad. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Tottenham vs Charlton: What to Know

The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off at 7:45pm BST. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tottenham are the clear favourites on paper, given the difference between the Premier League and Championship, but Charlton have already shown that they can trouble stronger opposition.

The Addicks have won their opening three competitive matches of the season, including an impressive Championship victory over West Ham United, and also defeated Cheltenham Town in the first round of the EFL Cup. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Recent Head-to-Head

Tottenham have dominated the recent meetings between the sides, winning their last five encounters across competitions and scoring 16 goals during that run.

Charlton's last victory over Spurs came in November 2004, when they won 3-2 at Tottenham in the Premier League. The most recent meeting was a 3-0 Tottenham victory in the FA Cup in January 2011. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Tottenham Team News

Spurs are expected to rotate their squad, particularly with a Premier League meeting against Newcastle United approaching.

James Maddison is expected to miss the game after suffering a shoulder problem against Brentford, while Mohammed Kudus remains unavailable. Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski are also among the players reported to be sidelined. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

There is positive news for Tottenham, however, with Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro expected to be available from the bench.

New signing Sávio is registered and eligible to make his Tottenham debut after completing his move from Manchester City. De Zerbi has not confirmed whether the Brazilian will start or be introduced from the bench. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Charlton Team News

Charlton are also expected to rotate, despite their excellent start to the campaign. Several players are reportedly being rested ahead of the Championship schedule, while new signings could receive opportunities against Premier League opposition. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Tyreece Campbell is one of the players to watch after scoring in each of Charlton's opening three matches. His current form could provide the visitors with an important attacking threat. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Possible Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur: Dubravka; Gray, Van Hecke, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Tonali, Fernandes; Moore, Tel, Solanke.

Charlton Athletic: Kaminski; Rankin-Costello, Jones, Burke, Bell; Chalobah, Coventry; Campbell, Carey, Grant; Leaburn.

These are predicted lineups and may change when the official teams are announced. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Prediction

Tottenham should have enough quality to win this tie, particularly with home advantage and the need to recover quickly from their Brentford defeat.

However, Charlton's form makes this a potentially uncomfortable evening for Spurs. Their confidence, attacking momentum and willingness to rotate could make the Championship side dangerous if Tottenham fail to control the match early.

Tottenham's defensive vulnerabilities are another reason not to expect an effortless victory.

Ekolense prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Charlton Athletic.

Things to Watch

• Sávio's potential debut: The new Tottenham signing could provide an immediate attacking boost.
• Tottenham's response: Spurs desperately need a convincing performance after the Brentford defeat.
• Charlton's momentum: The visitors have won their opening three competitive matches.
• Squad rotation: Both managers are expected to make changes.
• Tottenham's defence: Spurs must avoid giving Charlton opportunities on the counter.
• Tyreece Campbell: The Charlton forward enters the match in excellent scoring form.

Final Verdict

Tottenham remain the logical favourites, but Charlton are unlikely to arrive simply to make up the numbers. Spurs' need for a response could ultimately give them the edge, while Charlton's early-season confidence should make the contest competitive.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Charlton Athletic.