Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal brings a rare cup night to a ground that shares its name with the Gunners’ old home. Twenty years after Arsenal left Highbury, they visit Fleetwood‘s Highbury Stadium for the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday.
Preview: Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Arsenal are unbeaten in all five October games. They beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday, and Ezri Konsa scored early to end a run of 13 games without a goal from a set piece. That win also puts them alongside Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with 21 points each. Their cup form has been strong too, with the 4-2 win over Ipswich built on a 4-0 lead after an hour.
Fleetwood began the season with nine games unbeaten, but things have turned sour. They have lost six of their latest matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 defeat at Exeter City on Saturday. That leaves them 18th in League Two, though they have lost only one of ten home games.
In the cup, they have kept three clean sheets, beating Chesterfield 1-0, Shrewsbury Town 4-0 and Sheffield United 1-0. Matt Lawlor’s squad has shown plenty of heart this season, and that spirit will be tested hard on Tuesday night.
The key battle will be Ched Evans against Cristhian Mosquera and Marli Salmon. If the hosts can win long balls and second balls, they can keep Arsenal’s back line busy. If the away side keep Evans quiet, the hosts will struggle to even reach the final third.
Expect the north London side to dominate the ball and Fleetwood to defend deep, hoping Evans can snatch something from a set piece or a counter. Early on the hosts may hold firm, but the quality of the Arsenal bench should tell as the game goes on. Mikel Arteta’s men have the depth to rotate and still win, and this tie should follow that pattern.
FLEETWOOD’S CURRENT FORM IN ALL COMPETITIONS:
LAST 5 GAMES: W D W L L
ARSENAL’S CURRENT FORM IN ALL COMPETITIONS:
LAST 5 GAMES: W W W D W
Head To Head Record
Fleetwood and Arsenal rarely cross paths, so there is little recent history to lean on here. The better guide is each club’s cup story. The Gunners have fallen in the fourth round three times since 2015-16, against Sheffield Wednesday, Liverpool and West Ham United. The north London football club’s four League Cup final defeats since 1993 came against Manchester City twice, Chelsea and Birmingham City. However, the home side have never reached this stage before, which makes this a first for everyone at the club.
Arsenal
Where To Watch the Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal match?
This domestic fixture will be available on official EFL Cup broadcasters and official club platforms depending on region.
Nigeria: Supersport, ESPN Africa
Kenya: Supersport, ESPN Africa, Sporty TV
India: FanCode
UK: Sky Sports, Sky Sports+
China: Douyin
USA: CBS, Paramount+, Golazo
Prediction:
Arsenal are the clear favourites, and few would argue with that. They are unbeaten in October, they are chasing a first League Cup since 1993, and even a changed side carries real quality.
Still, Fleetwood will not roll over easily. Three clean sheets in three rounds is no luck, and Rhys Bennett’s return gives Lawlor a steady head at the back. The home crowd will push them, and a first goal against a side of this size would be a memory for life.
PREDICTED SCORE: FLEETWOOD TOWN 0-3 ARSENAL
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Disclaimer
The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
Chelsea