Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's basics "must be through the roof" when they face Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup fourth round on Tuesday.

Arsenal and Fleetwood have never met before in any competition, with the League Two side winless in all five of their matches against top-flight opponents in their history (D1 L4).

The Gunners, who lost last season's final to Manchester City, beat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the third round to continue their run in the competition.

And they come into this game in fine form, extending their unbeaten streak to five games (W4 D1) in all competitions thanks to their 2-0 win over Everton, which took them level on points with Premier League leaders City.

But Arteta noted how important it is for Arsenal not to get complacent against lower-league opposition.

"Our reputation, our pride, everything is in play," Arteta said.

"So, every time you play a football match, and especially against a team in a different division, respect the game, respect every opponent because they deserve to do that, and then try to win and try to play a bit better than them.

"We all have one [upset] at some stage.

"We know the risk, and in football, things can get very equal the moment you are able to match certain things, and that's why our basics and habits have to be through the roof to be able to win the game."

Heading to Highbury https://t.co/F0fwFXvMnB

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 26, 2026

This will be Arsenal's 10th tie in the EFL Cup against a side from the fourth tier of English football – they have progressed from eight of their previous nine.

The only exception was when they were knocked out by Bradford City in 2012-13 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their most recent such game.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, are through to the fourth round of the competition for the first time, and while manager Matt Lawlor is expecting a tough test, he urged his players not to fear the Premier League champions.

"It is an amazing night for the club and an amazing night for the fans, the town and the area," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"We have sold out for the first time in 11 or 12 years, which is unbelievable, and it is an amazing thing to be a part of.

"We are glad that it is here, and we are glad that we are welcoming the best team in the country and the champions of last year – to Highbury.

"The champions are coming to town on our patch, and it's on telly, so if you can't get up for this game you can't get up for any game. The players need to be excited for it, but while respect is through the roof, the fear can't be."