Chesterfield to put out 'strongest 11' for Carabao Cup curtain-raiser

That’s the promise of manager Paul Cook as the Spireites try to snap a run of 13 straight defeats in the competition.

With a more important League Two fixture against the same opposition to follow next week, the management team might have been tempted to have one last tinker with personnel and positions.

But Cook intends putting out what he considers the most competitive line-up from the players at his disposal.

"It will be the strongest 11, that’s if anyone knows our strongest 11 at this stage of the season,” he said.

"I’m sure all managers have a couple of dilemmas and problems but we are picking a team we believe can go and win the game. There won’t be any ‘giving players minutes’ and all that jargon that comes out in pre-season.

"We are there to win tomorrow, make no bones about it.”

Even though Chesterfield finished nine places and 18 points better off than Fleetwood in League Two last season, the two meetings between them were tight, both ending 1-1.

It took a late leveller from Ryan Stirk to rescue a point at Highbury in April after Kyle McFadzean was harshly sent off. The red card was subsequently rescinded.

Should the scores be level this time then the tie will go straight to penalties.

Added Cook: "Starting the new season with a cup tie is strange but good. Everyone has different agendas but for us and Fleetwood it’s hard playing each other twice in a week. Both clubs would probably prefer not to but that’s the hand you’re dealt.

"We know how tough it will be tomorrow but wherever you go that would be the case."