Fleetwood boss gives verdict on Sheffield United and 'amazing' Chris Wilder ahead of Carabao Cup tie
Sheffield United will be hoping to avoid a Carabao Cup upset when they take on Fleetwood Town on Wednesday evening.
Fleetwood Town head coach Matt Lawlor has described Sheffield United as an “unbelievable football club” with an “amazing manager” ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round tie at Highbury Stadium this evening.
The Blades will make the trip to the Fylde Coast with the ambition of avoiding a Carabao Cup upset and reaching the fourth round of the competition for the first time since reaching the semi-final stage in 2014/15.
Fleetwood, who are currently seventh in League Two, are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, meaning they will be determined to cause a major upset and reach the fourth round for the very first time.
Chris Wilder’s side have already seen off League One side Mansfield Town (3-0) and Championship counterparts Blackburn Rovers (2-1) to reach this stage, meaning they will be keen to continue progressing in the competition.
Ahead of the remaining third-round matches, the Blades are one of only three Championship sides left in the competition, alongside Norwich City, who face Manchester City on Thursday evening, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who travel to Everton this evening.
With an opportunity to reach the last 16 of the competition up for grabs, Fleetwood boss Lawlor is relishing the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the Blades.
“We have to pay huge respect to Sheffield United because it’s going to be really tough,” Lawlor said, as quoted by the Cod Army’s club website. “They’re a Championship team managed by an amazing manager who has won so much throughout his career.
“It’s an opportunity for us. We know it’s going to be a difficult one, but it will be a fantastic occasion for the club, the players and everyone involved to come up against an unbelievable football club.”
Fleetwood head into the clash with the Blades still unbeaten this season, having won four and drawn four of their first eight matches in league and cup competitions. Despite that, Lawlor is still on the hunt for improvements.
He added: “We’re never going to be in our best form every week. That’s impossible, but I want desire, character and ability in abundance.
“I demand that character from people in good moments, bad moments and different moments. That’s what I want my teams to represent.
“I want them to represent the town, the badge, the ownership and everything connected to the club.”