Uwe Rosler says that he and his squad are relishing the task of facing high-flying Blackburn Rovers on Saturday at Highbury.
Rosler’s men come into the game after a spirited performance at former Premier League champions Leicester City on Tuesday night, in the Emirates FA Cup third round replay.
The head coach reiterated that the squad is fully focused for when Tony Mowbray brings Rovers up to Fleetwood, and knows his players need to be on their toes from kick-off against such a strong side.
“These games are the ones we can measure ourselves at,” said Rosler.
“Tuesday was a special occasion for the club, but I think tomorrow’s match will have more pressure on us in terms of getting a result.
“Blackburn have adapted their style a little bit in recent weeks and I was surprised to see how they play now, to how they played at the start of the season.
“With the weather we have had over Christmas, the pitches aren’t as good and maybe they’ve adapted to that, but with this they have been successful.
“They might not be playing with a lot of possession but along with the signing for Jack Payne, they are on a great run and it’s up to us to play our game.
“We need to be on our toes as it will be a big ask for us.”
Rovers currently sit third in Sky Bet League One with 52 points on the table, and haven’t played during the week, with Rosler saying that gives them a slight advantage going into the game.
“This doesn’t mean they will go and win the game,” added Rosler.
“They are at an advantage with their free week, and with this time of year, it can really make a difference.
“We have a young group of players who are recovering quickly, and I believe we have played thirty-odd games already this season.
“I am hopeful we can cause them problems, and with the players we have and with their abilities, we can see where we are as a club.”
One interesting stat caught Rosler’s eye in the press conference was that Fleetwood have scored the most goals in League One from the bench, and are fourth in that category when involving all 92 teams in England.
“Maybe this stat could be better if we had Conor McAleny fit and available more.
“It is a very good stat to have, and I will be telling the guys in the recruitment meeting because this is what I have always said!
“We have a good number of attacking options and it’s important that we keep that momentum going.
“I feel we are a team that stay in games and then use our squad and players to help us over the line, but these are good stats to have.”