Preston vs. Arsenal: Confirmed Lineups & Preview - Can the Lilywhites Pull Off an Upset?
The FA Cup third round is upon us, and a giant-killing awaits as Preston North End host Arsenal at Deepdale. While the Gunners are flying high in the Premier League, the Championship side will be hoping to cause an upset and progress to the fourth round.
Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the clash, including confirmed lineups and a comprehensive preview:
Preston's Home Advantage
Preston will be buoyed by their home advantage, having enjoyed a strong run of form at Deepdale in recent weeks. They've won four of their last six Championship matches at home, including a 2-1 victory over Norwich City, demonstrating their ability to challenge even the best.
Arsenal's Title Challenge
On the other side of the pitch, Arsenal is looking to cement its position at the top of the Premier League table. The North Londoners are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, showcasing their depth and tactical flexibility.
Confirmed Lineups:
Preston North End:
- Goalkeeper: Woodman
- Defense: Coyle, Hughes, Lindsay, Storey
- Midfield: Whiteman, McCann, Browne, Potts
- Attack: Johnson, Riis Jakobsen
Arsenal:
- Goalkeeper: Turner
- Defense: White, Holding, Kiwior
- Midfield: Xhaka, Jorginho, Vieira
- Attack: Nketiah, Trossard, Martinelli
Key Battles to Watch:
- Riis Jakobsen vs. Holding: The Preston striker will be looking to exploit any defensive weaknesses in the Arsenal backline, while Holding will be tasked with keeping him quiet.
- Trossard vs. Storey: The Arsenal winger's dribbling ability and creativity will be a test for the Preston defense, and Storey will need to be at his best to stop him.
- Whiteman vs. Jorginho: The midfield battle will be crucial, with Whiteman looking to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm and Jorginho aiming to dictate the tempo of the game.
Prediction:
While Preston will be a tough opponent, Arsenal's quality and experience should see them through to the next round. However, expect a tense and competitive encounter, with Preston aiming to make life as difficult as possible for the Premier League leaders.
Prediction: Preston 1-2 Arsenal
Final Thoughts:
The FA Cup tie between Preston and Arsenal promises to be an exciting one. With the home advantage and a strong recent record at Deepdale, Preston will be confident in their chances of causing an upset. However, Arsenal's current form and depth make them the favorites to progress.
We'll be sure to provide a full match report and analysis after the game. Be sure to check back for all the latest FA Cup action.