Fleetwood Town head coach Matt Lawlor has warned his players of the challenge posed by Chris Wilder's Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup. The League Two side host the Championship Blades in a third-round tie at Highbury Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Lawlor acknowledged the size of the task facing his unbeaten squad. "We have to pay huge respect to Sheffield United because it’s going to be really tough," he said. "They’re a Championship team managed by an amazing manager who has won so much throughout his career."
Fleetwood are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition and have not lost in eight matches across all competitions this season. Their recent form shows two wins and three draws from their last five outings, including a draw at Newport County last weekend where Aaron Loupalo-Bi scored the equaliser.
Sheffield United have already beaten Mansfield Town and Blackburn Rovers to reach this stage. They are aiming for a first fourth-round appearance since the 2014-15 season. Wilder, who has a long history with the Blades, recalled a previous visit to Fleetwood fondly. "I’ll never forget it," he said. "It was a big point for us. And I proposed to my wife that night at Handsworth Social Club."
For Lawlor's men, the match represents a chance to cause a major cup upset. Their solid defensive record will be tested by higher-division opposition. The club's current position provides a confidence boost ahead of the tie. Check the latest standings to see how the promotion race is shaping up.
The tie kicks off at Highbury Stadium on Wednesday night, with a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round at stake.
Read the full report at thestar.co.uk
