Fleetwood Town are preparing for Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy Third Round tie against Bury FC, with a place in the quarter finals at stake.
Uwe Rosler’s men go into the match off the back of Saturday’s historic 0-0 draw with the 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City in the FA Cup third round.
Town met Bury nine days ago in their last fixture of 2017, with Devante Cole and Ash Hunter securing a 2-0 win for Fleetwood.
The Cod Army reached this stage of the competition with a 2-0 win over Chesterfield FC in early December, with goals that night coming from Jack Sowerby and Alex Reid.
Bury, currently on a run of six games without a win and rooted to the bottom of League One, beat Walsall 2-1 to reach the third round.
Barry Nicholson, First Team Coach said:
“The young lads who have come into the group and played in the Checkatrade Trophy have done exceptionally well. Four wins out of four, we topped the group and got through against Chesterfield in the last round, it’s a good chance for them to perform again. I think the big thing is when they get on the pitch in these games they've got to perform, they’ve got to catch the eye and do what the manager asks of them, and they've done that so far. Hopefully we’ll see it again.
“If you top your group and you get into the next round you're obviously a step closer to Wembley. We’re even closer now after beating Chesterfield. It’s another game that we’re taking deadly seriously and I’m sure Bury will be the exact same. Their boys are looking for a win after a few poor results so we know it’s going to be a difficult game. We were there a couple of weeks ago, we know exactly what we’re going to face. The boys have got to be ready.”
Chris Lucketti, Bury manager, said:
[After 3-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle]
“With results we’ve been having of late you have to look at different solutions. I changed the team and brought in personnel today I thought would have enough to get three points.
“You make your own luck. To be honest, we start well. Just before the goal we hit the bar and are on the front foot, and then we concede another set piece. It’s been the story of the season so far.”
Form Guide
Fleetwood Town won all three of their Checkatrade Trophy group stage matches, beating Leicester City U-21s, Morecambe FC, and Carlisle United, scoring seven and conceding two in the process. Town then knocked out Chesterfield FC, winning 2-0 in the second round with goals from Sowerby and Reid.
The Cod Army are unbeaten in their last eight games in cup competition.
Bury have had a tough run of matches of late, but advanced to the second round with ease, finishing second in their group, beating both Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City U-21s following a 4-0 defeat to Rochdale FC in their opener. The Shakers made it to the third round following a 2-1 win over Walsall, with Nicky Ajose scoring both goals.
One to Watch
Nicky Ajose
Jermaine Beckford may be Bury’s leading threat in the league with eight goals so far this season, but in the cup it’s been all about Nicky Ajose. The 25 year-old striker, on loan from Charlton Athletic, is relishing his third spell at his hometown club and has chipped in with four goals in 13 appearances, including three in two in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The former Manchester United youth prospect produced two vital strikes to help his team get past Walsall in the last round and his natural pace and eye for goal is enough to unsettle any defence.
Last Meeting
The two sides last met nine days ago in a league clash that Fleetwood won 2-0, with Hunter and Cole on target. The Cod Army have never lost to Bury, playing eight, winning five, and drawing three.
Earlier in the season Town edged past Chris Lucketti’s men in a tense 3-2 thriller that saw Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila bag a brace and Ash Hunter snatch a winner. Jermaine Beckford missiedan injury time penalty for the Shakers to give Fleetwood all three points.
Fancy a flutter?
Fancy a bet ahead of Tuesday night’s acton? See the latest odds with our EFL partner Sky Bet.
Fleetwood Town are marginal favourites going into the game, with Sky Bet pricing them at 6/4.
A home win is priced at 7/4, and a draw is down for 12/5.
A repeat of the Town’s 2-0 win at the end of December is priced at 12/1, with Devante Cole scoring first for the visitors priced at 9/2.
All odds are subject to change.
For more odds visit www.skybet.com
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