Tottenham Hotspur
CharltonBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
Tottenham Hotspur have been splashing the cash in the transfer market, yet the lofty expectations of their fanbase remain a step ahead of reality. After a humiliating collapse in their Premier League opener, the "Spurs" are desperate for redemption. This League Cup clash with Charlton Athletic presents the perfect opportunity to let off some steam. Will the north London giants showcase their class, or are the problems plaguing Roberto De Zerbi's squad far deeper than they appear?
Tottenham's pre-season under De Zerbi was largely positive. While many victories came against modest opposition like MK Dons (1-0) and Auckland (2-0), impressive triumphs over Chelsea (2-1) and Hoffenheim (3-0) had fans brimming with optimism. However, as is often the case with Spurs, the fragile house of cards crumbled the moment the competitive season began. A comprehensive and painful 0-3 defeat to Brentford on the opening day of the Premier League laid bare the team's persistent issues.
The club is acutely aware of its systemic defensive frailties and has worked hard in the transfer window, bringing in quality players for the backline: Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Andy Robertson. However, these new arrivals need time to fully gel. In the meantime, the club is also actively plugging gaps up front, having agreed deals for Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. It's also worth noting that Tottenham have a strong historical record in the League Cup and very rarely slip up against lower-league opposition.
This season marks exactly 20 years since the "Addicks" left the elite of English football, and they have since been forced to navigate between the Championship and League One. Currently playing in the second tier, Charlton's modest squad hardly allows them to seriously challenge for anything more than a mid-table finish. Nevertheless, the team has started the season with surprising energy, securing a win over Derby County (2-1) and a sensational victory against West Ham United (2-1). Though, in that last match, Nathan Jones's side was frankly fortunate, as they were heavily outplayed in terms of expected goals (0.62 to 2.84).
Unsurprisingly, given their limited financial resources, Charlton rarely reaches the latter stages of cup competitions. In the last ten seasons of the League Cup, the club has been eliminated in the first round six times, the second round three times, and only in the 2022/23 campaign did they unexpectedly reach the quarter-finals, where they were comfortably beaten 0-3 by a formidable Manchester United side. In this year's tournament, the Addicks have already cleared the minimum hurdle, confidently dispatching League Two side Cheltenham Town (3-1).
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Dubravka – Gray, van Hecke, Davies, Udogie – Bentancur, Fernandes – Moore, Maddison, Scarlett – Solanke
Out: Kudus, Kulusevski, Odobert, Porro, Sarr, Simons, van de Ven (all injured)
Manager: Roberto De Zerbi
Charlton Athletic (4-2-3-1): Okonkwo – McNamara, Jones, Koumetio, Bell – Coventry, Chalobah – Grant, Cary, Campbell – Leaburn
Out: Kelman, Ramsay, Uma (all injured), Mannion, Edwards, Godden (all doubtful)
Manager: Nathan Jones
By English football standards, Bramall is a typical mid-table referee. Last season, he officiated 31 matches, averaging 21.06 fouls and issuing 3.97 yellow cards per game. Over that period, he sent off four players and awarded eight penalties.
Tottenham's heavy defeat on the opening day of the Premier League is terrible news for Charlton. It is now clear that Spurs will approach this cup tie with the utmost seriousness and a burning desire to make amends for their embarrassing performance in front of their fans. As for the visitors, they have started the season with three consecutive wins, but their performances have not been impressive. It's hard to say Charlton have genuinely outplayed any opponent: in the Cup against lowly Cheltenham (3-1), they managed only 1.11 xG against 0.86; in the Championship, they struggled past Derby County (2-1 with a 0.97 to 1.00 xG); and in the derby against West Ham (2-1), they were fortunate to escape with a win despite being outclassed 0.62 to 2.84 in xG. Relying purely on luck against an angry giant is not a viable strategy. Our pick is a Tottenham win with a -1.5 handicap at 1.68.
However, it's impossible to ignore a key point: Charlton have been excellent at maximizing their chances, consistently scoring more than their performance metrics suggest. Meanwhile, Tottenham's defense is still in its early stages of development and is inevitably prone to errors. Just look at the pre-season friendlies, where Spurs regularly conceded goals even against modest opponents like Sydney (1-1), not to mention their defensive meltdown in the first league game. The visitors will certainly get their chances; the only question is whether they can convert them. Our selection: both teams to score – yes at 1.90.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Tottenham Hotspur4-3-3
Charlton4-2-3-1Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup – the gulf in class is massive. A -2.5 handicap on the hosts at 2.05 is the clear call here. This should be a one-sided affair, and I’m backing Spurs to cover comfortably.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup points to an open game where both sides get on the scoresheet. I'm backing goals from both teams, and there's a solid chance we see at least two goals in this one.
Tottenham and Charlton meet in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing both teams to find the net. Charlton have hit the ground running this season, while Spurs have looked shaky at the back, so I see goals at both ends. The odds of 1.89 offer decent value for this outcome.
This EFL Cup clash with Charlton is the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to finally let loose in attack. I'm backing the hosts to score more than three goals, and the 2.47 odds offer real value on that outcome.
Tottenham’s attacking output and motivation are the key angles here. Playing at home, they should turn it on. I’m backing the hosts to score more than three goals against Charlton in this EFL Cup tie, and at 2.47, the price looks well worth a shot.
Tottenham hosts Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm all over the corner count. I see Spurs dominating possession and pinning the visitors back all match, which naturally leads to a ton of offensive set pieces. With that kind of pressure, I'm expecting at least eight corners from the home side alone. The 2.08 odds for over 7.5 corners for Tottenham look like solid value given the matchup.
Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm backing the hosts to score fewer than three goals at odds of 1.96. This is a cup tie where Spurs might rotate their squad, and lower-league opposition often tighten up defensively in these fixtures. Given the potential for a more cautious approach from the Premier League side, I don't see them running up a big scoreline here.
Tottenham have invested heavily this summer, and after a disastrous opening-day loss to Brentford, there’s serious pressure to show that last season’s result was a fluke. Charlton in the EFL Cup is exactly the kind of opponent they need to make a statement against.
I’m backing the hosts to win by at least two goals. The squad depth and quality difference should be too much for Charlton, especially with Spurs desperate to get back on track. Handicap 1 (-1.5) at 1.63 looks like solid value.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup — I see goals at both ends. Both teams to score is the play here, and the 1.92 price makes it worth taking.
Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing both teams to find the net at 1.92. Charlton have the firepower to breach this Spurs defense, and I see the match ending in a draw.
Tottenham Hotspur need to win this EFL Cup tie, and I expect them to come out firing from the first whistle. Charlton won’t just sit back either, which should create an open game with plenty of chances at both ends. With the hosts pushing hard for goals and the visitors likely to find the net themselves, backing over 4 goals at 2.75 looks like strong value.
Tottenham's clash with Charlton in the EFL Cup is a clear mismatch. I’m backing the hosts to rack up at least three goals — they have far too much quality for this opposition and should put the tie to bed early.
A +2.5 handicap on Charlton at 1.49 is the play for this EFL Cup clash. I don't see Tottenham blowing them out — the visitors should keep the deficit within two goals.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — the corner market for the visitors is where the value sits. I’m backing Charlton to record more than 3.5 corners in this tie, and the 2.40 price makes it worth taking. That’s the play I’m on for this one.
Tottenham might still win this EFL Cup tie, but I'm convinced it won't be a stroll in the park. Against a determined Charlton side, the margin of victory is what matters here, and I see the visitors keeping this painfully close.
With a +1.5 handicap at 2.27, Charlton are well positioned to cover. I'm backing the underdog to avoid a heavy defeat, even if Spurs eventually scrape through.
Tottenham and Charlton meet in the EFL Cup, and I expect this one to be a high-scoring affair, backing over 3.5 total goals. The price of 2.10 offers solid value for a bet that should see the net bulge at least four times.
The EFL Cup tie between Tottenham and Charlton on 26 August is a clear over 3.5 goals bet for me at 2.10. I expect a high-scoring affair, and that's the line I'm backing.
Tottenham Hotspur are facing Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I see this as a clear mismatch. The Premier League side should dominate from start to finish, and I’m backing them to score at least three goals.
Spurs have the firepower to tear through a lower-league defense, especially at home. With a price of 1.86, this is a solid bet on the hosts to cover the over 2.5 team total.
After a heavy loss in their Premier League opener, Tottenham will be eager to bounce back. Facing Charlton in the EFL Cup, I expect a fired-up performance, and backing the hosts with a -1.5 handicap at 1.63 is the clear play.
Charlton to score at least once at 1.82 is the clear move in this EFL Cup matchup. Tottenham may be the strong favorite on paper, but their defensive issues and general inconsistency are well-documented – I’m counting on the visitors to exploit that and find the back of the net.
Let’s be honest—Tottenham’s matches tend to stay low-scoring based on their average totals. I’m backing them to finish with under 3 goals here.
Tottenham are the stronger side, no question about it. But the defensive problems on both ends make this a clear Both Teams to Score play. Charlton will find a way through, and Spurs will do their part as well. I'm backing that at 1.93.
Tottenham might be the bigger name, but Charlton are more than capable of getting on the scoresheet here. That's why I'm backing both teams to score at 1.93 — the visitors will cause enough problems to find the net.
Tottenham and Charlton both favour attacking styles, so I expect a high-scoring affair in this EFL Cup tie. With the over 3.5 line priced at 2.13, I’m backing plenty of goals.
Tottenham will concede at home against Charlton in this EFL Cup tie, and the visitors will find the net. That opens the door for a goal exchange, so I’m backing both teams to score at 1.95 — it’s the clear play here.
Tottenham are in a dire state right now. That’s why I’m backing Charlton to score at least once — the hosts’ current form makes them vulnerable even against lower‑tier opposition.
Tottenham face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing goals here. The hosts should have no trouble putting two or three past their opponents in attack, but I also expect them to concede at least once.
That’s why I’m taking Over 3 goals at 1.70 — I see this ending with four or more total.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup — I’m expecting a low-scoring affair here. Three goals or fewer feels like the right ceiling for this one, and at 1.69 the price on Under 3.5 offers solid value. The gap in class doesn’t always translate into a goal fest in these cup ties, so I’m backing the total to stay under.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — this one’s going to be a tight, low-scoring affair. Both sides will play it safe, keeping things shut at the back. That’s exactly why I’m backing Charlton with a +1.5 handicap. They won’t get blown out, and a narrow loss or even a draw is well within reach.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — the cockerels need to prove what their Championship schooling has taught them. The gap in class is clear, and at these short odds there’s no room for doubt: I’m backing the home side to get the job done without fuss.
Tottenham might not run up a cricket score in this EFL Cup tie, but Charlton have every chance of grabbing a goal of their own. That's exactly why I'm taking both teams to score at 1.95 — the hosts' dominance doesn't have to translate into a clean sheet.
Tottenham host Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m going over 4 goals at 2.93. This matchup has all the signs of a high-scoring affair — both sides should find the net more than once.
Tottenham's firepower should be too much for Charlton from the opening whistle. I'm backing the hosts to put away two goals before halftime, so over 1.5 in the first half at 2.15 is the play.
Tottenham will be determined to bounce back from their recent defeat, and I expect them to take out that frustration on Charlton in this EFL Cup tie. With home advantage and a point to prove to their fans, Spurs should find the net at least three times. The odds of 1.94 offer solid value for that outcome.
Tottenham vs Charlton in the EFL Cup — and I’m backing Under 10.5 corners at 1.70. These sides average just under 9.5 corners combined, so the line feels a touch high. Keep it tight, keep it simple — the under lands.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — this feels like a mismatch on paper, but the numbers tell a different story. I’m backing the visitors to find the net at least once here, and the price is juicy at 3.78.
Charlton have shown they can cause problems even against stronger sides, and Spurs often struggle to keep clean sheets in these cup ties. With the underdogs likely to get a sniff or two in front of goal, I’m comfortable taking them to score over one time.
Tottenham will dominate possession at home, but Charlton will have their moments on the break. The visitors should be able to force enough corners to clear this line.
Tottenham Hotspur treat cup competitions with the seriousness they deserve, which is why I'm backing the hosts to score at least three times against Charlton in the EFL Cup on August 26th. There's no holding back for them in matches like this.
Tottenham's opening match of the season was a disaster. They looked awful, and I don't see them suddenly turning it around with a big win here. That's why I'm backing Charlton with a +1.5 handicap — the margin simply won't be that wide.
This EFL Cup tie between Tottenham and Charlton looks set for plenty of goals. Charlton will put up a fight and find the net, but Spurs will bag three of their own — Over 3.5 at 2.20 is the clear call.
Tottenham's squad depth is far superior to Charlton's, and that gap should show clearly on the pitch. I'm backing the hosts to cover a -1.5 handicap without much trouble.
This is a classic mismatch in the EFL Cup. Spurs have too much quality across the board, and even with potential rotation, their second-string lineup outclasses Charlton's first team. The visitors will struggle to contain the pace and creativity Tottenham can bring, making a comfortable multi-goal win the most likely outcome.
Tottenham’s last few games have been high-scoring, and I expect more of the same here. Charlton will sit deep and try to hit on the break, which should create chances at both ends. The price of 1.95 for both teams to score looks generous given the likely pattern of play.
Tottenham host Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm expecting a quiet game from the corner flag. Under 8.5 corners at 2.92 offers serious value — this matchup just doesn't scream a high-volume set-piece battle.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — the cockerels need to prove what their Championship schooling has taught them. The gap in class is clear, and at these short odds there’s no room for doubt: I’m backing the home side to get the job done without fuss.
This EFL Cup clash with Charlton is the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to finally let loose in attack. I'm backing the hosts to score more than three goals, and the 2.47 odds offer real value on that outcome.
Tottenham’s attacking output and motivation are the key angles here. Playing at home, they should turn it on. I’m backing the hosts to score more than three goals against Charlton in this EFL Cup tie, and at 2.47, the price looks well worth a shot.
Tottenham hosts Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm all over the corner count. I see Spurs dominating possession and pinning the visitors back all match, which naturally leads to a ton of offensive set pieces. With that kind of pressure, I'm expecting at least eight corners from the home side alone. The 2.08 odds for over 7.5 corners for Tottenham look like solid value given the matchup.
Tottenham Hotspur need to win this EFL Cup tie, and I expect them to come out firing from the first whistle. Charlton won’t just sit back either, which should create an open game with plenty of chances at both ends. With the hosts pushing hard for goals and the visitors likely to find the net themselves, backing over 4 goals at 2.75 looks like strong value.
Tottenham's clash with Charlton in the EFL Cup is a clear mismatch. I’m backing the hosts to rack up at least three goals — they have far too much quality for this opposition and should put the tie to bed early.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — the corner market for the visitors is where the value sits. I’m backing Charlton to record more than 3.5 corners in this tie, and the 2.40 price makes it worth taking. That’s the play I’m on for this one.
Tottenham and Charlton meet in the EFL Cup, and I expect this one to be a high-scoring affair, backing over 3.5 total goals. The price of 2.10 offers solid value for a bet that should see the net bulge at least four times.
The EFL Cup tie between Tottenham and Charlton on 26 August is a clear over 3.5 goals bet for me at 2.10. I expect a high-scoring affair, and that's the line I'm backing.
Tottenham Hotspur are facing Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I see this as a clear mismatch. The Premier League side should dominate from start to finish, and I’m backing them to score at least three goals.
Spurs have the firepower to tear through a lower-league defense, especially at home. With a price of 1.86, this is a solid bet on the hosts to cover the over 2.5 team total.
Charlton to score at least once at 1.82 is the clear move in this EFL Cup matchup. Tottenham may be the strong favorite on paper, but their defensive issues and general inconsistency are well-documented – I’m counting on the visitors to exploit that and find the back of the net.
Tottenham and Charlton both favour attacking styles, so I expect a high-scoring affair in this EFL Cup tie. With the over 3.5 line priced at 2.13, I’m backing plenty of goals.
Tottenham are in a dire state right now. That’s why I’m backing Charlton to score at least once — the hosts’ current form makes them vulnerable even against lower‑tier opposition.
Tottenham face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing goals here. The hosts should have no trouble putting two or three past their opponents in attack, but I also expect them to concede at least once.
That’s why I’m taking Over 3 goals at 1.70 — I see this ending with four or more total.
Tottenham host Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m going over 4 goals at 2.93. This matchup has all the signs of a high-scoring affair — both sides should find the net more than once.
Tottenham's firepower should be too much for Charlton from the opening whistle. I'm backing the hosts to put away two goals before halftime, so over 1.5 in the first half at 2.15 is the play.
Tottenham will be determined to bounce back from their recent defeat, and I expect them to take out that frustration on Charlton in this EFL Cup tie. With home advantage and a point to prove to their fans, Spurs should find the net at least three times. The odds of 1.94 offer solid value for that outcome.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — this feels like a mismatch on paper, but the numbers tell a different story. I’m backing the visitors to find the net at least once here, and the price is juicy at 3.78.
Charlton have shown they can cause problems even against stronger sides, and Spurs often struggle to keep clean sheets in these cup ties. With the underdogs likely to get a sniff or two in front of goal, I’m comfortable taking them to score over one time.
Tottenham will dominate possession at home, but Charlton will have their moments on the break. The visitors should be able to force enough corners to clear this line.
Tottenham Hotspur treat cup competitions with the seriousness they deserve, which is why I'm backing the hosts to score at least three times against Charlton in the EFL Cup on August 26th. There's no holding back for them in matches like this.
This EFL Cup tie between Tottenham and Charlton looks set for plenty of goals. Charlton will put up a fight and find the net, but Spurs will bag three of their own — Over 3.5 at 2.20 is the clear call.
Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm backing the hosts to score fewer than three goals at odds of 1.96. This is a cup tie where Spurs might rotate their squad, and lower-league opposition often tighten up defensively in these fixtures. Given the potential for a more cautious approach from the Premier League side, I don't see them running up a big scoreline here.
Let’s be honest—Tottenham’s matches tend to stay low-scoring based on their average totals. I’m backing them to finish with under 3 goals here.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup — I’m expecting a low-scoring affair here. Three goals or fewer feels like the right ceiling for this one, and at 1.69 the price on Under 3.5 offers solid value. The gap in class doesn’t always translate into a goal fest in these cup ties, so I’m backing the total to stay under.
Tottenham vs Charlton in the EFL Cup — and I’m backing Under 10.5 corners at 1.70. These sides average just under 9.5 corners combined, so the line feels a touch high. Keep it tight, keep it simple — the under lands.
Tottenham host Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I'm expecting a quiet game from the corner flag. Under 8.5 corners at 2.92 offers serious value — this matchup just doesn't scream a high-volume set-piece battle.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup – the gulf in class is massive. A -2.5 handicap on the hosts at 2.05 is the clear call here. This should be a one-sided affair, and I’m backing Spurs to cover comfortably.
Tottenham have invested heavily this summer, and after a disastrous opening-day loss to Brentford, there’s serious pressure to show that last season’s result was a fluke. Charlton in the EFL Cup is exactly the kind of opponent they need to make a statement against.
I’m backing the hosts to win by at least two goals. The squad depth and quality difference should be too much for Charlton, especially with Spurs desperate to get back on track. Handicap 1 (-1.5) at 1.63 looks like solid value.
A +2.5 handicap on Charlton at 1.49 is the play for this EFL Cup clash. I don't see Tottenham blowing them out — the visitors should keep the deficit within two goals.
Tottenham might still win this EFL Cup tie, but I'm convinced it won't be a stroll in the park. Against a determined Charlton side, the margin of victory is what matters here, and I see the visitors keeping this painfully close.
With a +1.5 handicap at 2.27, Charlton are well positioned to cover. I'm backing the underdog to avoid a heavy defeat, even if Spurs eventually scrape through.
After a heavy loss in their Premier League opener, Tottenham will be eager to bounce back. Facing Charlton in the EFL Cup, I expect a fired-up performance, and backing the hosts with a -1.5 handicap at 1.63 is the clear play.
Tottenham against Charlton in the EFL Cup — this one’s going to be a tight, low-scoring affair. Both sides will play it safe, keeping things shut at the back. That’s exactly why I’m backing Charlton with a +1.5 handicap. They won’t get blown out, and a narrow loss or even a draw is well within reach.
Tottenham's opening match of the season was a disaster. They looked awful, and I don't see them suddenly turning it around with a big win here. That's why I'm backing Charlton with a +1.5 handicap — the margin simply won't be that wide.
Tottenham's squad depth is far superior to Charlton's, and that gap should show clearly on the pitch. I'm backing the hosts to cover a -1.5 handicap without much trouble.
This is a classic mismatch in the EFL Cup. Spurs have too much quality across the board, and even with potential rotation, their second-string lineup outclasses Charlton's first team. The visitors will struggle to contain the pace and creativity Tottenham can bring, making a comfortable multi-goal win the most likely outcome.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup points to an open game where both sides get on the scoresheet. I'm backing goals from both teams, and there's a solid chance we see at least two goals in this one.
Tottenham and Charlton meet in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing both teams to find the net. Charlton have hit the ground running this season, while Spurs have looked shaky at the back, so I see goals at both ends. The odds of 1.89 offer decent value for this outcome.
Tottenham hosting Charlton in the EFL Cup — I see goals at both ends. Both teams to score is the play here, and the 1.92 price makes it worth taking.
Tottenham Hotspur face Charlton in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing both teams to find the net at 1.92. Charlton have the firepower to breach this Spurs defense, and I see the match ending in a draw.
Tottenham are the stronger side, no question about it. But the defensive problems on both ends make this a clear Both Teams to Score play. Charlton will find a way through, and Spurs will do their part as well. I'm backing that at 1.93.
Tottenham might be the bigger name, but Charlton are more than capable of getting on the scoresheet here. That's why I'm backing both teams to score at 1.93 — the visitors will cause enough problems to find the net.
Tottenham will concede at home against Charlton in this EFL Cup tie, and the visitors will find the net. That opens the door for a goal exchange, so I’m backing both teams to score at 1.95 — it’s the clear play here.
Tottenham might not run up a cricket score in this EFL Cup tie, but Charlton have every chance of grabbing a goal of their own. That's exactly why I'm taking both teams to score at 1.95 — the hosts' dominance doesn't have to translate into a clean sheet.
Tottenham’s last few games have been high-scoring, and I expect more of the same here. Charlton will sit deep and try to hit on the break, which should create chances at both ends. The price of 1.95 for both teams to score looks generous given the likely pattern of play.
The EFL Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic takes place on August 26, 2026, at 19:45.
The main prediction is a Tottenham win with a -1.5 handicap, offered at odds of 1.68.
Tottenham Hotspur are the clear favorites, especially after their heavy Premier League defeat, which is expected to motivate them to take the cup tie seriously.
Tottenham lost 0-3 to Brentford in their Premier League opener, while Charlton have won three consecutive matches, including a 2-1 victory over West Ham, though their performances have been unconvincing.
Yes, Tottenham have several injured players: Kudus, Kulusevski, Odobert, Porro, Sarr, Simons, and van de Ven are all out.
The prediction is both teams to score – yes, at odds of 1.90, as Charlton have been efficient in front of goal and Tottenham's defense is still developing.