‘The respect is through the roof, but the fear can’t be’ – Fleetwood boss Lawlor on Arsenal clash

Matt Lawlor has urged Fleetwood Town to embrace one of the biggest nights in the club’s history when Premier League champions Arsenal visit Highbury Stadium in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.

Fleetwood are preparing for a sold-out occasion but the Fleetwood boss admits there is little certainty over the side Mikel Arteta will select.

“We don’t have a clue how they’re going to line up,” he said.

“It’s educated guesswork. We’re preparing for a world-class team regardless of who they put out.

“We’re preparing for Arsenal rather than individuals. I can’t have any more respect for someone who has done what Mikel has done.”

Lawlor wants his players to enjoy the occasion rather than be intimidated by the prospect of facing the Premier League champions.

“The champions are coming to town and they’re coming to our patch,” he said.

“The players need to be excited by it, not overawed by it. The respect is through the roof, but the fear can’t be through the roof.

“We’ve earned a game like this,” he added.

“We’ve had to go through round upon round of tough games, and none of them were easy.

“To get to where we are, we deserve that.”