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Seeking to bounce back from a hugely disappointing opening-weekend Premier League defeat, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Charlton Athletic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for an EFL Cup second-round tie on Wednesday night. Roberto De Zerbi and Co. endured a nightmare start to the 2026/27 campaign as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 away at Brentford. The expensively rebuilt side were given a reality check at the Gtech Community Stadium, but they won’t have to wait long to issue a riposte. Charlton Athletic visit North London, looking to cause their second upset in five days after defeating West Ham 2-1 away last weekend. So, the Lilywhites cannot take this game lightly if they intend to move to the third round of the EFL Cup. Tottenham Team News Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro (both fitness) and Pape Matar Sarr (thigh) all missed Tottenham’s defeat to Brentford on Saturday. The trio are currently doubts for the cup fixture. James Maddison landed awkwardly on his shoulder after coming on as a substitute against Brentford and has emerged as a doubt too. Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert all remain long-term absences with knee issues, while Mohammed Kudus is still recovering from a thigh problem and will not participate against Charlton Athletic. Predicted Tottenham lineup vs Charlton Athletic (4-2-3-1) Goalkeeper There is a strong chance Martin Dubravka could come in between the sticks in place of Antonin Kinsky, who was partly guilty of Brentford’s second goal. Defence De Zerbi will look to freshen up the Tottenham lineup in a few positions. Kevin Danso and Destiny Udogie could earn a recall to the side at the expense of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, respectively. Udogie will start at left-back, with Danso partnering Jan Paul van Hecke in central defence in the Tottenham lineup. Porro is unlikely to be risked from the start even if deemed fit, meaning we could see Archie Gray continue at right-back. Midfield After making a substitute appearance against Brentford, Mateus Fernandes could be handed his full debut in the Tottenham lineup. The Portuguese will start in a double pivot with Rodrigo Bentancur in the middle of the park, with club-record signing Sandro Tonali dropping to the bench. De Zerbi may stick with Conor Gallagher in the No.10 role, despite substituting him at half-time against Brentford. Lucas Bergvall and Sandro Tonali could get minutes off the bench on the night. Attack With the side light in the wing department at present, Richarlison could get the nod on the left, with Mathys Tel switching flanks in the Tottenham lineup. They will be trying to create problems for the visitors’ defence with their speed, physicality and movement. Dominic Solanke is expected to lead the attack after coming off the bench in the Lilywhites’ first game of the season.