Fixture: Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Competition: Carabao Cup – Fourth Round
Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026, 8pm
Venue: Highbury Stadium
Kit Watch: Home Kit
It promises to be a special night at Highbury Stadium as Fleetwood Town welcome Premier League champions Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The Cod Army have reached the last 16 of the competition for the first time in the club’s history. Victories over Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United have brought Matt Lawlor’s side to this stage, with Town yet to concede a goal in this season’s cup run.
Tuesday’s visitors present a challenge unlike any Fleetwood have faced so far this campaign. Arsenal arrive as one of the country’s strongest sides, but Town have earned their place in this tie and will have a packed Highbury behind them when the game gets under way.
THE OPPOSITION
Arsenal make the trip to Fleetwood following a 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on Saturday.
Goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel secured the points for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium. The result followed a draw away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a league victory at Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners entered the Carabao Cup in the third round, winning 4-2 at Ipswich Town to book their visit to Highbury. Sixteen-year-old Max Dowman scored twice that night, with Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino also on target, as Arsenal showed the depth of quality available to Arteta.
Whatever side Arsenal select on Tuesday, Town can expect a stern test. The visitors will be looking to continue their pursuit of silverware, while Fleetwood have the chance to produce a result that would live long in the memory.
TOWN
Fleetwood’s route to the fourth round has been built on three clean sheets and a series of assured performances at Highbury.
Ched Evans scored the only goal against Chesterfield in round one before adding a brace in the 4-0 second-round win over Shrewsbury. Town then overcame Championship opposition in the third round, beating Sheffield United 1-0 to set up Tuesday’s meeting with Arsenal.
Lawlor’s side come into the tie after a narrow 2-1 league defeat at Exeter City. Ronan Coughlan drew Fleetwood level shortly after the hour mark, but Exeter regained the lead three minutes later. The focus now shifts to the cup and an opportunity for Town to test themselves against the very best.
Fleetwood will need to be organised, brave and ready to take their moments when they come. With the Highbury crowd behind them, the Cod Army will be determined to make this a night to remember.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAME
The tie will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage scheduled to begin at 7:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Live updates will also be available through the club’s website and social media channels, with supporters over. Supporters should check FTFC Play for audio coverage and any overseas viewing options for this Carabao Cup fixture.