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Tottenham's Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City has been handed an unusual kick-off time of 8:15pm.

The fourth round contest will take place on Wednesday, October 30 after the other five ties taking place on the same night.

The kick-off time may be unconventional, but this is likely due to the fixture being one of six fixtures picked for television coverage on Sky Sports that night.

It is a repeat of the 2020/21 Carabao Cup final which saw Aymeric Laporte earned City a 1-0 win at Wembley.

The last time the teams met was in January this year when Nathan Ake earned a win for Man City in the FA Cup fourth round.

Tottenham earned their spot in the fourth round of this term's Carabao Cup following a 2-1 victory over Coventry City earlier this month.

Meanwhile Pep Guardiola's side secured their place in the tie with a 2-1 home win over Watford.

Ange Postecoglou is desperate to win a trophy after declaring that he 'always wins something in his second year' during a spiky TV interview.

Clarifying his comments, the Australian later said: "It's amazing, isn't it? I just stated a fact and it seems like, am I supposed to just lie or just say it never happened?

"But, no, it's just confusing to me that people are making a big deal out of something. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to answer something that is true.

"Like if I don't win it in the second year this year and I come out next year and say 'well, I always win it', well, no, actually it's not true, but I've just said something that's true, and it seems like it's upset a lot of people for some reason."

Along with the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Brighton's clash with Liverpool has also been selected for coverage on Sky Sports with a kick-off time of 7.30pm.

Meanwhile Man United vs Leicester, Preston vs Arsenal, Aston Villa v Crystal Palace and AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle vs Chelsea have also been selected with a 7.45pm kick-off time.

These fixtures will be played after the two fourth round clashes scheduled for Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday 29th October Southampton host Stoke City, while Brentford take on Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool are the reigning champions having won last season's final against Chelsea at Wembley.

Tottenham hit the bullseye with a joke aimed at Luke Littler on social media after they humbled Manchester United.

The darts sensation is an avid Red Devils fan and will have been as gutted as any other supporter following their 3-0 defeat to Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A cardinal sin of a football fan is to switch allegiance in the face of disappointment, something that Tottenham jokingly suggested Littler had done after the match.

The north London side shared an image of a notification received on Instagram saying that Littler's verified account had started following them.

While the timing might have been coincidental, Spurs couldn't resist poking fun at the teenager.

Writing on X, Spurs said: "Ooop. You finally seen the light, @LukeTheNuke180?"

As you'd imagine, the Tottenham fans were lapping up the banter on social media.

One fan wrote: "He knows who's the winning team."

Another said: "Loving what he saw on Sunday," while a third added: "Admin has been cooking in the last two games and I'm loving it."

Littler's Man United loyalties probably can't be doubted after he silenced rival fans in both Liverpool and Leeds during his Darts Premier League outings earlier this year.

He cupped his ear to the booing fans in Leeds, while Littler gestured '2-0' with his fingers in Liverpool following the Reds' defeat to arch-rivals Everton that week.

Of course, the light-hearted jibe from Tottenham came in the aftermath of a crushing 3-0 defeat for Man United as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke piled the misery on the Red Devils.

In turn, this has piled the pressure on head coach Erik ten Hag once again.

Thankfully for the Dutchman, he has time to put things right with Ten Hag set to stay as Manchester United manager for at least the next two games.

talkSPORT understands that the Old Trafford hierarchy aren't planning to make a knee-jerk reaction to the defeat.

However, Ten Hag is under mounting pressure ahead of back-to-back away games before the October international break against Porto and Aston Villa.

Ten Hag was appointed in May 2022, replacing Ralf Rangnick in the role after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was relieved of his duties earlier in the season.

Tottenham refused to let their Europa League win pass without appearing to aim a subtle dig at rivals Arsenal.

Spurs cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Qarabag in their first European fixture of the season despite playing the majority of the match with ten men following Radu Dragusin's dismissal.

The Romanian defender was sent off after just seven minutes, as he was shown a straight red card for hauling down forward Juninho as he raced towards goal after dispossessing him.

But the early setback did little to hamper Ange Postecoglou's side, as Brennan Johnson put them ahead just five minutes later.

Pape Mate Sarr then put Spurs in the driving seat when he volleyed home early in the second half, before Dominic Solanke wrapped up the win with his first goal in Europe on 68 minutes.

And Spurs' social media team wasting no time in marking the win by appearing to aim a cheeky jibe at north London rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners were also reduced to ten men in their last league match, a 2-2 draw away to Manchester City, with many commenting on their decision to sit back ollowing Leandro Trossard's red card in an attempt to defend their lead, before the champions grabbed a late equaliser.

Tottenham seemed keen to draw a comparison between the two side's hugely different performances, as they uploaded a graphic in a social media post outlining their dominance against Qarabag.

Alongside the statistics, which highlighted their 469 passes and ten attempts on goal, the club wrote: "10 men and we never stopped playing our football."

It did not take long for the supposed dig to have the desired effect, with plenty of fans flocking to the comments section.

One amused user wrote: "Admin just cooked Arsenal football club."

Arsenal supporters were certainly less than impressed however, and who reminded their rivals' admin of recent results between the two sides, with Spurs' last derby victory coming in May 2022.

Alongside a picture of the Gunners' latest 1-0 final score against Spurs, a fan wrote: "Thanks for the three points though."

A more incensed fan replied: "What a shameless thing to tweet on the official account. It’s even worse cos we’ve beaten this f****** 3 consecutive times at their ground."

And it wasn't just on social media where those connected with Tottenham took aim at Arsenal by comparing the two performances.

talkSPORT co-host and former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara was also keen to hail his old club's performance by taking a swipe at Mikel Arteta's side.

Speaking on The Sports Bar alongside Jason Cundy after the 3-0 victory, O'Hara said: "We've shown tonight how to do it with ten men. You know, Arsenal should have a look at us.

“They [Spurs] said, ‘Look at us Arsenal, this is how you do it!'

“You go down to ten and you still get a result. 3-0, still playing attacking football, still pressing, having a high line."

Pointing to how the Gunners were unable to successfully defend their lead against City, he went on: "That's how you do it, Arsenal. You tried it, you sat off, and you lost.”

Former Chelsea defender Cundy then reminded his co-host of Spurs' attempts at defending a lead with nine men last term against the Blues, which ended in a 4-1 loss.

He quipped: "What did you do against Chelsea when you didn't win?"

O'Hara quickly fired bac: "That was last season. Doesn't count, mate.

“It only matters now, doesn't it? So, we've shown tonight that you can do it with ten men."

Tottenham will be without Richarlison for their trip north to face Manchester United this weekend.

Spurs make the journey to the red half of Manchester as they look for back-to-back league wins and a first victory on the road.

However, they will do so without the talents of Richarlison.

The Brazilian international has made just two appearances for Ange Postecoglou's side this year, and you would argue Tottenham are missing his unique abilities.

Unfortunately, he's currently out with an injury.

Why is Richarlison not playing against Man United?

Richarlison has only appeared for 25 minutes of league action this season.

He was a substitute in Spurs' two opening games against Leicester and Everton, but he hasn't been seen since.

The former Toffees striker had to withdraw from international duty in early September when he picked up an unspecified injury.

This problem ruled him out of Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at the end of August.

Since then, Tottenham have also been without new striker Dominic Solanke, leaving Postecoglou's men short in forward positions.

This injury he's picked up is strange because Tottenham and Postecoglou have refused to reveal what it is, so we have no real timescale on his return.

But judging by his manager's most recent comments on the forward, he isn't going to be back any time soon.

Speaking about the striker, he said: “He is a fair way off, I think you should stop asking me about him until I give you a bit of an update.

“He has still not trained with the first team, so he is still a bit off.”

Last season, Richarlison and Heung-min Son alternated as Spurs' main striker, and the Brazilian enjoyed a good campaign.

In 28 Premier League games, he scored 11 goals, which was his best return since swapping Everton for Spurs in the summer of 2022.

Unfortunately, he missed nine games through injury, including the last three matches of the season with a hamstring problem.

This saw him miss the Copa America, and though he briefly returned, he's now out again and could be unavailable for some time.

Manchester United welcome Tottenham for a Premier League encounter between two teams who would have hoped to be doing better.

The Red Devils have won two of their opening five league games, while Spurs are yet to taste victory on the road.

So, this is an important fixture for both, with Erik ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou hoping their team will be in the Champions League places by the end of the campaign.

However, if that is to be the case, there needs to be some major improvement.

Tottenham have struggled to be clinical in front of goal at times, while the Red Devils have looked disorganised against the better teams so far.

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Dom's off the mark

In the build-up to Tottenham's 3-1 win over Brentford last weekend, new £65million man Dominic Solanke hadn't scored.

Of course, he missed a couple of games through injury, while he didn't get a sniff in the north London derby.

So when he saw James Maddison's saved shot fall to his feet, he must have been relieved to tap in his first of what should be many Spurs goals.

It's always the same for any new striker - they just want to get off the mark, and he's done that now.

So, don't be surprised to see the confidence flowing through his veins when he takes to the field.

Manchester United have won 24 Premier League home games against Tottenham – only Arsenal have beaten an opponent more often at home in the competition’s history (25 vs Everton).

Manchester United have lost seven of their last 19 Premier League home games (W9 D3), including a 3-0 loss to Liverpool in their last such match. They had been unbeaten in 20 at Old Trafford before this current run (W17 D3).

After a run of four straight Premier League defeats against Manchester United between 2021 and 2022, Tottenham are now unbeaten in their last three against them in the league (W1 D2).

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Date and how to follow

This Premier League game takes place on Sunday, September 29.

Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 4:30pm.

The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League.

Sky Go customers can also stream the action through their laptops and mobile devices.

Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can be purchased.

talkSPORT will have updates from the red half of Manchester throughout, and talkSPORT.com will have coverage on our dedicated Premier League blog.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Since picking up 14 points from their first six Premier League away games under Ange Postecoglou (W4 D2 L0), Tottenham have picked up just a further 14 points from their last 15 on the road (W3 D5 L7). Indeed, among ever present sides over the last two seasons, no side has won fewer Premier League away games since the start of November than Spurs (3).

Since the start of last season, only Manchester City (31) have gained more points from losing positions in the Premier League than Tottenham (28), with Spurs coming from behind to beat Brentford 3-1 last time out.

Manchester United have kept four clean sheets in their last six Premier League games, which is more than they had in their previous 24 combined (3). However, they’ve lost both games in which they’ve conceded during this run (W3 D1).

Manchester United vs Tottenham: Team news and predicted line-ups

United's injury problems are starting to ease, but they are still without a few important players.

Luke Shaw isn't expected back until after the international break, while Tyrell Malacia is still out.

They join Leny Yorro and Victor Lindelof on the sidelines.

Ten Hag has a few players who are nailed-on starters - Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

Martinez should be partnered by Matthijs de Ligt, with Dalot at left-back and Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.

Christian Eriksen has partnered Mainoo in recent games, but given Tottenham's style, Manuel Ugarte could make his first Premier League start.

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are competing for a place on the left, but the England international is looking better, so should get the nod.

Amad Diallo will be on the right, and then up front, there is a choice between Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.

For Spurs, Richarlison remains out, and Wilson Odobert is also injured, but bar those, Posteocoglou has a full squad to choose from.

Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Maddison, Heung-min Son and Solanke will start.

In midfield, Spurs have plenty of options, but given the problems Liverpool caused United in the middle of the park, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

On the right, there will be a battle between Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski, but the Swede's guile and creativity should see him get the nod.

Manchester United have the third highest xG in the Premier League this season (9.6) but have scored just five goals – only Southampton have a bigger negative difference between their goals (2) and expected goals (7.1) so far this term.

As a team, only Liverpool players (282) have made more off the ball runs into the opposition’s box than Tottenham’s (263) in the Premier League this season. For individual players, Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min (54) and Dejan Kulusevski (43) rank joint first and joint third for this respectively.

Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes has had more shots without scoring than any other Premier League player this season (17). Meanwhile, only Cameron Archer (2.3) and Evanilson (2) have amassed a higher xG without finding the net so far than Fernandes (1.9).

Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min has created more chances from open play than any other player in the Premier League this season (13). He’s also had a hand in five goals in his last seven league appearances against Manchester United, scoring four and assisting one.

Man United vs Tottenham: What has been said?

Speaking after Man United's 1-1 draw with FC Twente in the Europa League, Ten Hag criticised his players for not giving everything.

He said: “You saw it it was the game of their life, they fought for every yard and we did not.

“Ninety nine per cent is not enough. You need to give 100 per cent. You need to go for the second goal and kill the game.

“We have to be more clinical in certain situations, but I don’t think tonight that was the only problem - in the second half, we have to keep going, follow the instructions and that is also a question of mentality.

"We are very ambitious and when you have ambition you have to perform. In the second half, we were too easy going and complacent and didn’t bring it over the line and as a team you have to deliver this.

“Often the mentality is very good from this team. In many games I saw how high our workrate is, but today, I had some criticism, but I have to look in the mirror as well, I am part of it.”

Ange welcomes more games

Ange Postecoglou has bucked the trend by saying he’s excited to have a fuller fixture schedule this season.

Tottenham are back in Europe and face their opening Europa League game against Qarabag tonight.

Postecoglou: "I am really pleased to be back there and excited to be back in it.

“I spoke about it last year that it was a real gap in our calendar and didn't help us at certain times of the year not having regular football, that challenge of playing different types of opposition and exposing our whole squad to some meaningful game-time.

“And the worst thing was sitting around watching other teams play in it. It didn't sit right with me so being back in a European competition is important."

On Qarabag, Postecoglou said: "We've had a very good look at them. We had someone fly out at the weekend and watch them play.

“They are a very good team, they dominate the local competition, but just as importantly in Europe they've always made an impact.

“We had a good look at their two games against Bayer Leverkusen (in the Europa League Round of 16 last season), they did very well and pushed Leverkusen all the way. We all know how good Leverkusen were last year, so it's not about individuals, it's about understanding and making sure we reach the level of performance we do against a very good, experienced European opponent.

“I think experience in Europe counts and Qarabag have been consistent whether it's Champions League or Europa League and always made an impact. We'll be ready for that."

Jordan takes aim

Simon Jordan says Manchester United’s draw with FC Twente will do nothing to negate the negativity surrounding Erik ten Hag.

He told talkSPORT: “This is the business end, this is it, this is what you qualify into Europe for.

“Now, it’s one game, there's plenty more to go, but that's not a great start. Manchester United need momentum, Ten Hag needs momentum.

“He needs belief, he needs to be able to put it beyond reproach the question that he only survived the axe in the summer because there was no one else.

“So [he needs a] situation where the players are on board, the results are coming and the momentum is building, then the argument about when he's going to get the bullet would go away.”

Jordan added: “You have a responsibility to represent the football club at the highest level. It's a privilege, an honour to play for one of the biggest clubs in world football.

“You should appreciate that by recognising it in your performance, knowing that the opposition arrive at Old Trafford with the legacy of people in the past, not you lot, people in the past.

“You have a responsibility to those that walked before you and the fans that you represent.

“They should be winning games like FC Twente and there's no real mitigation for it.”

‘They wanted it more’

Erik ten Hag and Christian Eriksen both admitted it was unacceptable that FC Twente showed more desire than Manchester United in last night’s Europa League draw.

Goalscorer Eriksen said: "Mostly disappointed as a team. Obviously we wanted more but in the end it was far from good enough.

"Like it just has been said also in the changing room, I think they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can't be right."

Those comments were put to Ten Hag in the post-match press conference.

"Yes, you saw it," the United boss said. "Twente, it was the game of their life and they fought for every yard. And, yeah, we didn't - 99 per cent is not enough.

"You have to give 100 per cent. You have to kill the game, you have to finish it off.

"We bring the game until the end, but you have to go for the second goal then you kill the game."

Put to Ten Hag that players should be up for a game like this, he said: "Definitely, especially as we are very ambitious.

"When you have ambition, then you have to perform, then you have to prove that point.

"Today, especially in the second half, I think we were too easy-going, too complacent. We didn't bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to deliver this."

'They looked like they wanted it more than us'

Christian Eriksen has revealed what Manchester United have been discussing in the changing room post-match.

And Red Devils fans may not be happy with what has been said...

"We're mostly disappointed as a team," he told TNT Sports.

"Obviously, we wanted more but it was far from good enough.

"It's being said also in the changing room, I think they looked like they wanted it more than us and that can't be right.

"Personally, I think you score a goal and then after you think it's going to be the match-winner but it's gone the other way."

Eriksen continued: "Everyone is looking at themselves.

"Everyone is a professional football and know what to do and know what can happen in a game like today.

"Obviously, we don't lose but it feels like a loss and that's something at home that can't happen."

'An absolute shocker'

It's a shock result for Manchester United tonight.

They should have had this game wrapped up but they let Twente into it and could have lost in the end.

And talkSPORT's Micky Gray has labelled Erik ten Hag's side's second-half performances as 'unacceptable'.

"It was an absolute shocker," Gray said on commentary.

"Twente showed determination in the second half, Man United just switched off thinking we're going to breeze through this game.

"We've seen the best of United tonight, but we've definitely seen the worst.

"They played as individuals in that second half and clearly that wasn't good enough."

He continued: "Erik ten Hag's body language in the technical area is as bad as I've seen.

"It's just shocking it really is. That was just unacceptable what we just watched. It was as bad as it gets."

Stop that, Marcus

Marcus Rashford managed to pull off a flip-flap nutmeg on Twente captain Ricky van Wolfswinkel in the first half.

He has been at the top of his game at Old Trafford, pulling off an incredible skill that shows just how good he can be.

And talkSPORT's Micky Gray is loving Rashford's performance.

Gray said live on commentary: "It's fantastic wing play.

"Remember the Brazilian Ronaldo, it was his trick, putting it through the legs and sending in a great cross.

"All you have to do is look at the body language from Marcus, it's completely different to last season."

Speaking at half time, he then continued: “It was class, this is why we get frustrated with players like Marcus Rashford.

“I bet last season you couldn’t count on two hands how many times he ran at a defender, but tonight he’s getting at them.

“He’s confident, his shoulders are back, he’s running at players.

“I’m loving what I’m seeing and it’s only going to get better.”

Rashford starts well

Marcus Rashford has been a constant threat since Man United survived that early scare from Sam Lammers.

The winger, who was left out of the starting XI by Erik ten Hag at the weekend, is taking on Bart van Rooj at every opportunity.

And he's winning every battle, causing Twente all sorts of problems.

Micky Gray live on talkSPORT: "He looks very bright, he's had a sharp start to the game and looks like he's enjoying himself.

"I love to see him get the ball down and run at a defender. We've not seen it for a season.

"He might be saying to the manager: 'That's why you can't leave me out at the weekend'.

"He needs to be playing week-in-week-out."

Back in Europe

Tottenham are preparing for their first game back in Europe tomorrow night after a year away.

Spurs failed to qualify for any competition in Antonio Conte's final year, meaning Ange Postecoglou was without continental fixtures.

But after finishing fifth in the Premier League in his first season, Postecolgou has his side back in the Europa League.

And he's delighted to have led the club there, saying at his pre-Qarabag press conference: "We're pleased to be back there and excited to be back in it.

"I spoke about it last year how it was a bit of a gap in our calendar that didn't help us at certain times in the year not having that regular football.

"And also having different types of challenges and exposing our whole squad to some meaningful time on the pitch.

"I think sitting around and watching other teams play, it didn't sit well with me either.

"So to be back in a European competition is important."

Team news

Marcus Rashford was benched against Crystal Palace as part of Erik ten Hag’s rotation but he’s likely to be back in the team tonight.

Rasmus Hojlund returned to the bench at the weekend and could return to the starting line-up at Old Trafford too.

Left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both getting closer to a return from injury, but this game is too soon for them.

Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof remain out while Mason Mount is fit and Manuel Ugarte could make his first start for the Red Devils.

As for Twente, they will likely have former Rangers striker Sam Lammers leading the line.

And Sem Steijn will be a major threat with Ricky van Wolfswinkel a name many will recognise expected to come off the bench.

Official team news will be announced in just over an hour...

Tottenham Hotspur are seeking a third consecutive win in a third different competition.

⚡Quick Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag betting tips

Tottenham to win and both teams to score - 6/4 with bet365

Over 3.5 goals - 4/5 with bet365

Dominic Solanke to score first - 3/1 with bet365

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag top offer

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag odds

Find the latest match odds for Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed football bookmakers. Odds are subject to change.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag predictions

Tottenham Hotspur fans must have been fearing the worst after their side went 1-0 down to Brentford within seconds of kick-off at the weekend.

More dropped points would have led to more questions being asked of Ange Postecoglou, who did not escape criticism despite Spurs’ slender 2-1 success against Coventry City in the EFL Cup a few days prior.

Thankfully, Tottenham bounced back from that early setback and turned in perhaps their best performance of the season so far.

Goals from Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson and James Maddison gave Postecoglou’s side a 3-1 win, moving them up to 10th place in the table.

A crunch clash with Manchester United awaits this weekend, but Tottenham have a date with Qarabag in the Europa League before then.

Postecoglou has not shied away from his ambition to win a trophy this season. In a fiery interview with Sky Sports after the recent north London derby, he told a reporter: “I'll correct myself - I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year [at a club].”

The Europa League is one of the trophies he will be eyeing. Tottenham are the favourites with the bookmakers to go all the way, narrowly ahead of Manchester United.

The competition has undergone the same revamp as the Champions League. There is no more group stage, with the Europa League instead beginning with a league phase in which all 36 teams are ranked in the same table.

After eight rounds of fixtures, the top eight in the standings will go straight through to the round of 16, while those that finish between ninth and 24th will advance to the knockout phase play-offs.

Finishing outside the top eight would be a disappointment for Spurs, who will face Qarabag, Ferencvaros, AZ, Galatasaray, Roma, Rangers, Hoffenheim and Elfsborg between now and the end of January.

On Thursday night Postecoglou’s side have the chance to make it three victories on the bounce as they look to belatedly kick-start their campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag betting tips

Tottenham Hotspur host Qarabag in the first round of the 2024/25 Europa League league phase.

Tottenham to win and both teams to score

Qarabag won the Azerbaijani title for a third season on the bounce last term, while they also reached the round of 16 of the Europa League.

A narrow 5-4 aggregate loss to Bayer Leverkusen at that stage of the tournament shows that Qarabag are no pushovers.

They head into this match on the back of a three-game winning streak domestically, although their last European outing was a 2-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League qualifiers.

Nevertheless, Qarabag are capable of breaching the Tottenham backline on Thursday. Postecoglou’s preference for a high defensive line has advantages, but it can be exploited by opponents who turn over the ball and break forward quickly.

Having said that, Tottenham should have enough about them to emerge triumphant on matchday one of the Europa League.

⚽ Tip Tottenham Hotspur to win and both teams to score at 6/4 with bet365 ⚽

Over 3.5 goals

There is no doubt that Tottenham are an entertaining team to watch, for better or worse.

Postecoglou wants his team to try and dominate every match they contest. That is why, for instance, they continued to defend high and push forward even when down to nine men at home to Chelsea last term.

On the plus side, that means Spurs almost invariably carry a threat in attack. This was notably not the case against Arsenal earlier this month, but then again few teams can defend as well as Mikel Arteta’s team.

The downside is that Tottenham tend to concede bigger chances than most teams, even when they give away relatively few shots.

Those are two reasons why we could be in store for an enjoyable encounter with plenty of goals in north London.

⚽ Back over 3.5 goals at 4/5 with bet365 ⚽

Dominic Solanke to score first

An injury issue meant Solanke had a stop-start first few weeks of the season, but he opened his account for Tottenham with the equaliser against Brentford on Saturday.

That will have been a weight off the former Bournemouth striker’s shoulders and Thursday’s game gives him a chance to increase his tally further.

Solanke is a good all-round centre-forward whose movement, physicality and hold-up play are all important.

But the England international was brought to north London to score goals first and foremost, and he will be desperate to do just that against Qarabag.

There is a chance that Postecoglou rests one or two players for this one, but Solanke is unlikely to be among them.

⚽ Choose Dominic Solanke to score first at 3/1 with bet365 ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Qarabag

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Thursday 26th September, 8pm.

How to watch: TNT Sports 1.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

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Tottenham will host Manchester City in the standout Carabao Cup fourth round tie.

The last 16 draw took place on Wednesday night following the conclusion of Liverpool and Arsenal's wins over West Ham and Bolton respectively.

Man City progressed thanks to a 2-1 win over Watford on Tuesday night with Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes getting the goals to send them through.

Meanwhile, Spurs secured their spot in the fourth round with a 2-1 win over Coventry last week.

Now Premier Legaue champions City and Spurs will meet in north London, with a quarter-final place at stake.

Arsenal, who beat Bolton 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium, will travel to face Preston in the fourth round while Brighton host holders Liverpool at the AMEX Stadium.

Arne Slot's side progressed thanks to a 5-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield with Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo grabbing two goals each.

Manchester United have been drawn against Leicester City at home following the 7-0 hammering of Barnsley and the Foxes' dramatic penalty shootout win over Walsall.

It was that clash with the League Two side that saw a fan try to confront Steve Cooper before being tackled by a Walsall player.

The winners of AFC Wimbledon and Newcastle will face Chelsea in the next round, with the rearranged third round tie set to take place at St James' Park following the flooded pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

AFC Wimbledon's vice president Ivor Heller has told talkSPORT the club could spend around £1million on repairing their pitch.

A fan-led JustGiving page has been set up to raise funds to fix the pitch and has already raised £111,000 at the time of writing.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa host Crystal Palace, Southampton welcome Stoke City and Brentford take on Sheffield Wednesday.

talkSPORT co-hosts Jason Cundy and Jamie O'Harahad their say on the Carabao Cup draw, with some fantastic fixtures to look forward to.

Speaking on The Sports Bar, ex-Chelsea defender Cundy said: "There's a couple of tasty ones, Brighton vs Liverpool is a tasty one.

"And obviously your boys [Tottenham] against Man City, that catches the eye.

"Villa vs Palace... you expect Arsenal to go through."

Left dejected by Tottenham's opponents, former Spurs midfielder O'Hara stated: "Is there any danger of us just getting an easy route to a final? Come on."

To which Cundy quipped: "You're never going to win anyway even if you've got an easy route, you'll still lose in the final."

He continued: "You expect Newcastle to beat Wimbledon and that'll be a tough game for Chelsea, it'll be a tough game for both to be honest.

"It's amazing this competition, because you win two games [round three and four] and then you're staring the quarters in the face."

Ties will be played the week commencing October 28th.

Tottenham will be without key defender Cristian Romero for the start of their Europa League campaign, live on talkSPORT 2 this week.

The Argentine has played every minute for Spurs in the Premier League so far this season but will be unavailable against Qarabag.

Ange Postecoglou will oversee European football at the club for the first time since becoming manager.

The Australian guided the Lilywhites back into continental competition this term following a one-year absence.

It is Tottenham’s first foray into the Europa League since 2020/21 - with Romero in Champions League action for Atalanta that season.

The 26-year-old has never played in UEFA's secondary tournament, but a unique ruling will mean he's forced to wait until he can.

Why is Romero banned against Qarabag?

Tottenham's World Cup-winning vice-captain is serving a retroactive ban that has not been served yet from the last time the club were in Europe.

Romero was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the second leg of the 1-0 aggregate Champions League defeat to AC Milan.

Under Antonio Conte, Spurs were looking to overturn a one-goal deficit to the Serie A side in the round of 16 in March 2023.

However, their task was made exponentially harder after Romero was shown a red card in 77th minute for a late lunge on Theo Hernandez - having been walking a tightrope since his initial caution 17 minutes in.

Tottenham ultimately only managed a goalless draw to confirm their elimination, before their lowly league finish meant rivals Arsenal have been north London's only representative in Europe since.

As a result, Romero's ban has lingered, and it carries across UEFA competitions if it cannot be served in the one it was gained in.

The one-match suspension has not expired from his record despite the time delay, and so will be active in Thursday's clash instead.

Romero won't get the chance to make his Europa League debut until matchday two, having played in each of the other two UEFA competitions both above and below across his tenures at Tottenham and Atalanta.

His Champions League red card, which was his second sending-off during the 2022-23 season, saw him dubbed a 'liability' by talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara.

He has since worked on his discipline issues, having then had to serve a three-match ban after his high challenge on Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez in a 4-1 defeat to Chelsea eight months later.

Romero picked up just one yellow card in Tottenham's final six Premier League games last season.

He wasn't booked at all during his country's Copa America triumph this summer and is also waiting on his first caution of this season.

His Europa League suspension will be a major blow to Postecoglou's plans, with Romero's only absence so far coming when he was rested for the Carabao Cup win over Coventry City.

Radu Dragusin deputised for the defender in the 2-1 third-round victory and is likely to do so again against Qarabag.

Coverage of which will be available on talkSPORT 2, with commentary from Ian Danter and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Tottenham will begin their Europa League campaign this Thursday night when they welcome Qarabag to London, live on talkSPORT 2.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have not made a great start to the new season, but after a 3-1 win against Brentford at the weekend, they will want to build some momentum.

Spurs venture into this competition for the first time since 2021 in search of a trophy that would end their long, long wait for some silverware.

They have been handed a tough set of games in UEFA’s new format, with ties against Roma, Rangers and Galatasaray to come.

But Qarabag are their first opponents and the Azerbaijani side are returning to the Europa League after their best-ever campaign last year.

They reached the round of 16, winning four of their games which is the most they have ever won in major European competitions.

Tottenham vs Qarabag: Back in Europe

Tottenham are back in Europe after a year away.

In Postecoglou’s first season, he was able to secure qualification to the Europa League with Spurs finishing fifth in the Premier League.

It meant they would be making a return to continental football for the first time since their Champions League last 16 defeat to AC Milan in March last year.

Under Antonio Conte, Tottenham were booed off the pitch following as they failed to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second leg.

And after finishing eighth in the league, they didn’t qualify to play in Europe last season.

But Postecoglou has them back as they prepare for their first Europa League campaign since Dinamo Zagreb knocked them out in the round of 16.

This is the third meeting between Tottenham Hotspur and Qarabag in major European competition, with Spurs winning both previous meetings in the 2015/16 group stage of the UEFA Europa League (3-1 & 1-0).

Qarabag have lost all six of their meetings with English sides in all competitions – twice vs Spurs (2015-16), twice vs Chelsea (2017-18) and twice vs Arsenal (2018-19).

Tottenham vs Qarabag: Team news

Dominic Solanke scored his first Tottenham goal at the weekend and he’ll likely keep his place up front as he aims for more.

That’s because Richarlison remains sidelined alongside summer signing Wilson Odobert.

Postecoglou is expected to rotate his team slightly though, with Radu Dragusin, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray vying for starting spots.

Timo Werner could also get some extended minutes and Djed Spence may come in to allow some rest for Destiny Udogie.

Brennan Johnson will hope to continue his turnaround in form by getting on the scoresheet on his European debut.

As for Qarabag, Juninho Vieira will look to add to his goal last time out while Yassin Benzia will be a creative hub for the side from Azerbaijan.

Tottenham have lost just one of their last eight matches in the UEFA Europa League (W6 D1), although this defeat did come in their most recent such match – 0-3 against Dinamo Zagreb in March 2021.

Qarabag’s Juninho has been involved in five goals in his last six appearances in major European competition (4 goals, 1 assist), netting in both round of 16 matches against Bayer 04 Leverkusen last season.

Tottenham vs Qarabag: What has been said?

After scoring against Brentford, James Maddison hit back at criticism he has received since the start of the season.

Maddison’s performances have left some unimpressed, but after his first goal of the campaign last time out, he’ll now be looking to build on it.

Speaking on Saturday, the midfielder said: “The team is always the most important. I would have been happy with my performance and how I played regardless of whether I got the goal.

“It [the goal] kind of shuts up a few people in the background who think the goals and assists do matter more than what they probably do.

“I am an attacking player who has always scored goals and always got assists, that’s my job.

“So when you are not doing that and even if you feel like you are playing well personally, helping the team, the gaffer is happy with what I’m doing, for some games you have it where I feel like I play really well in the build-up and help the team progress but you don’t get a goal or assist to show for that.

“And then people start questioning the numbers, so sometimes you have to take the outside noise with a pinch of salt, but on the other hand I love scoring goals and it was a nice feeling.”

Qarabag reached the round of 16 in last season’s UEFA Europa League, the furthest they’ve advanced in a major European competition. Their four wins were also their most in a single such campaign.

Tottenham vs Qarabag: talkSPORT coverage

This Europa League clash will take place on Thursday, September 26.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 8pm.

talkSPORT 2 will have live coverage of all the action this week.

Commentary of the game will come from Ian Danter and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The game will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.