Fever-pitch in Fleetwood ahead of EFL Cup game against Premier League champions Arsenal
The town of Fleetwood is high on cup-fever today as they prepare to welcome Premier League champions Arsenal to Highbury tonight.
Michael Arteta’s men landed at Blackpool Airport this afternoon after having their usual travel arrangements disrupted by last night’s Ballon D’or ceremony at the Palladium Theatre in London. The Cod Army will be hopeful that this plays into their hands.
Tonight will be a historic moment for Fleetwood. Not only are they hosting one of the best teams in the world, live on international television, but this is also their first time competing in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
Despite Matt Lawlor's side sitting 84 league places below Arsenal, the Cods will have confidence after beating Championship side Sheffield United in the third round.
Tonight’s game kicks off at 8pm, and fans are being advised to arrive early and expect delays when entering the ground. There will be a light show 10 minutes before kick off, and entertainment in Jim’s Bar will be live from 4.30pm onwards.
Tonight will be a fantastic occasion for the town of Fleetwood, regardless of the result, but the 4000-strong Cod Army inside Highbury will be expecting their side to battle hard and take the game to the Gunners.