Mikel Arteta has ordered his Arsenal players to "respect" Fleetwood Town or risk being embarrassed in an almighty Carabao Cup giant-killing. The Gunners travel to Highbury Stadium on Tuesday evening looking to book their place in the fifth round of the competition.
Arteta's warning ahead of Fleetwood trip
With strong winds and awkward playing conditions anticipated in the North West, the Premier League champions face a potentially tricky tie against the League Two side. Arteta, who was an unused substitute when Arsenal were eliminated 3-2 on penalties by Bradford City in the quarter-finals back in December 2012, wants his players to handle business professionally.
When asked how his team approach the potential banana skin, he replied: "Show them the Arsenal shirt and what we represent and that's it. We need to go there and win the game. That's it. It's very simple.
"Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play. So every time you play a football match, especially against a team in a different division, respect the game and respect every opponent because they deserve that. Then try to win and try to play a bit better than them.
"We have all won at some stage and we know with the risk that in football things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things. That's what our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win a game."
Gyokeres backed to end drought
On paper, the task looks relatively straightforward, as Fleetwood have won just one of their past eight League Two fixtures. But with Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on the horizon, wholesale changes are on the cards.
One player that looks virtually certain to keep his spot in the starting XI following Saturday's 2-0 triumph over Everton is Viktor Gyokeres. The frontman finished his debut campaign at the Emirates as the club's top goalscorer with 21 goals in all competitions, but despite firing the Gunners to the title last term, he is still yet to score for Arsenal this season.
Arteta is confident the Swede will break his duck soon, explaining: "I think he was unlucky two or three moments [on Saturday]. He's in front of goal, he's won the position to both centre-backs and the ball doesn't get there.
"But he's done a lot of good things I think today again and we need to keep insisting. I think he had a really good contribution in Munich as well when he came on. He helped us to change the game and that's what we need from all of them."
Zubimendi and Dowman in line
Midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi is also in line to feature. The Spaniard's nose was left bloodied after being smashed in the face just moments after coming off the bench for the final 10 minutes against Everton. It typified his lack of fortune so far this season, but this is an opportunity he will be keen to grab with both hands.
Max Dowman is also expected to start after his brace helped dismantle Ipswich Town in round three. Arteta concluded: "We're going to need everybody, I'm convinced of that."
