Tottenham vs Charlton - League Cup

The League Cup returns to the home ground on August 26, 2026, where Tottenham and Charlton will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. LIV Golf definitely changed the face of the professional game with the extortionate amounts of money that they pumped into the league.

Tottenham head into the contest positioned 19th in the League Cup standings, while Charlton arrive sitting 40th. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. During his 22 matches in charge, Oxford actually ranked as high as 14th in the table.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Tottenham favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Charlton are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Man Utd have made an offer to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba before the summer transfer deadline.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Given the balance of the numbers, Tottenham should have enough to edge it — a 2-1 victory looks the most likely outcome. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the League Cup standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Harry Kane is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.