Fleetwood Town host Accrington Stanley at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday 7 January 2020 for a Third Round Leasing.com EFL Trophy tie, and we have got all your essential information here in the match preview.
Fixture: Fleetwood Town v Accrington Stanley
Competition: Leasing.com Trophy Round Three
Date: Tuesday 7 January 2020
Kick-off: 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 6TX.
Match officials: Robert Lewis (Referee) Joe Simpson & Mark Cunliffe (Assistants) Karl Evans (Fourth Official)
Tuesday’s cup tie between Fleetwood and Accrington will be Mr Lewis’ first outing at Highbury Stadium this season. The referee has only taken charge of one Fleetwood game this season which came on the opening day 3-1 win away at Peterborough.
The Shrewsbury born official has taken charge of 18 games In all competitions this year, dealing out 66 yellow cards and three red cards.
FLEETWOOD TOWN
Last time out in the EFL Trophy, the Cod Army defeated Everton U21s 4-0 away back in November. The goals came from Danny Andrew, Paul Coutts, Paddy Madden and Wes Burns under the lights at Goodison Park.
Joey Barton’s side will be looking to better their last result against Stanley after Town’s 2-1 loss in the group stage.
Since playing Accrington in the group stages, Town have gone on to record wins against Liverpool U21s, Oldham and Everton U21s, with Town striker Paddy Madden currently 2nd top goal-scorer in the competition with 3 goals.
Fleetwood signed Everton defender Callum Connolly on Monday afternoon in a loan deal until the end of the season. The 22-year-old is not eligible for Tuesday's clash, but will be available for selection at the weekend for the Burton match.
ACCRINGTON STANLEY
Accrington are currently flawless in the EFL Trophy having picked up wins in all their games in the competition so far, with victories over the likes of Liverpool U21s, Oldham, Bolton and Fleetwood.
Stanley’s last outing in the competition saw John Coleman’s side get a 2-0 home win against Bolton Wanderers. Goals from Offrande Zanzala and Colby Bishop were enough to see of the Wanderers after the home side dominated with 16 shots.
However, with only one win in their last five away games, Joey Barton can take confidence in that his side are unbeaten in the last 5 home games.
After a busy festive period, both sides could see this as an opportunity for rotation, after Stanley’s Sean McConville ruptured his achilleas last time out against Rochdale.
ONE TO WATCH - OFFRADE ZANZALA
A player for the Cod Army to keep tabs on is Accrington Stanley striker, Offrade Zanzala. The 23 year-old has scored 6 goals in 16 games this season, having scored in the side’s most recent in a 2-1 defeat to Rochdale on New Year’s Day.
Zanzala began his career with Derby County and in October 2015 was named the U21 Premier League Player of the Month after scoring four goals in three youth team matches.
The Congolese striker had some loan spells at the likes of Stevenage and non-league side Chester before being signed by Accrington Stanley, initially on loan which was made permanent on a two year deal.
The former Derby man is in fine form ahead of Tuesday night’s clash and is looking likely start up top for John Coleman’s side.
HOW TO WATCH THE GAME ON iFOLLOW
If you’re struggling to get to Highbury for Tuesday’s cup tie, we’ve got your back as you can keep up to date on all the action on iFollow.
Due to the match being played midweek, supporters will be able to live stream the match whilst listening to full match commentary for as little as £10! Why wait, buy yours NOW!
If you want to know more about iFollow, and find out ways to support the Cod Army, click HERE. (terms and conditions)
Any further questions on iFollow Fleetwood, please contact sam.fielding@fleetwoodtownfc.com
THOUGHTS FROM ACCRINGTON – JOHN COLEMAN
“It’s my personal opinion but I think the team which wins tomorrow night will go to Wembley so it’s a big, big game for both sides.
“We are one of just two EFL teams who haven’t been to Wembley and it would be a real feather in our cap if we could do it.
“That’s why it’s a massive game for us tomorrow.
“Fleetwood are a good side, they play a certain style of football which is quite easy on the eye and so do we.
“The last time we played there in the league Sean McConville got sent off, they got a dubious penalty and we have got to go there and acquit ourselves better.”
HOW TO GET YOUR MATCHDAY TICKETS
Tickets for the match will remain on sale until kick-off. Supporters will be able to buy theirs at the Club Shop at Highbury or down at the club’s training ground at Poolfoot Farm.
Fans can also purchase their tickets online HERE, or head down to the ground on the day of the game – prices are as followed:
Adults - £10
Seniors & Under 25s - £5
Under 16s - £1
If you require further details on tickets, please contact the Ticket Office on 01253 775080, or visit the Club Shop prior the match.
SKY BET’S BETTING ODDS
You can get a price of 4/5 for Town to win on the day, or odds of 2/5 to simply reach the next round of the competition).
Accrington meanwhile are backed at 13/5 to win on Tuesday night, with odds of 7/4 to reach the Fourth Round.
One of this week’s popular requested bets is for Fleetwood to win, both teams to score, 4+ corners each and for 20+ booking point for each team – The odds for this are 20/1!
For more odds on SkyBet, CLICK HERE. Please remember to bet and gamble responsibly.
