Preston vs Arsenal live: What time does it start, what TV channel is it on, where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the FA Cup tie at Deepdale
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger will name a rotated team for the FA Cup third round tie with Preston at Deepdale, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Laurent Koscielny and Petr Cech to be rested, while Mesut Ozil is still out with illness.
Danny Welbeck could make his return from injury but is likely to begin on the bench for the 5.30pm kick off.
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It’s a big game for…
Hector Bellerin: He was run ragged in his last game against Bournemouth where he was at fault for two of the goals. The Spanish full-back will have to put in a good display here to claim his spot for the next league game against Swansea, next weekend.
Best stat…
0: These are the only two clubs in English football history to go a season without losing a single game. Preston North End achieving the feat in 1889 whilst Arsenal completed it in 2004.
Remember when…
The two teams faced each other in an FA Cup tie back in 1999, where Arsenal came back from 2-0 down to triumph 4-2. A quick-fire double from Kurt Nogan sent the Lilywhites racing in to a 2-0 lead but Luis Boa Morte struck before half time. Emmanuel Petit netted twice to turn the game in Arsenal’s favour and Marc Overmars put the game beyond doubt for the Gunners.
Player to watch…
Olivier Giroud: The French striker has been impressive since being drafted back on to the team sheet. In Arsenal’s last game they were trailing 3-0 to Bournemouth with twenty minutes left, and not only did Giroud score the injury time equaliser, he also set up the other two goals for the Gunners.
Past three meetings…
Arsenal 2 (Kanu, Malz) Preston 1 (Macken), League Cup, October 1999
Preston 2 (Nogan 2) Arsenal 4 (Petit 2, Boa Morte, Overmars), FA Cup, January 1999
Preston 2 Arsenal 0, Division One, August 1960
Form guide…
PRESTON: WDWLDW
ARSENAL: WLLWWD
Vital information…
KICK-OFF: 17:30, Saturday 7th January
TV: Live on BT Sport 2
Odds…
PRESTON TO WIN: 7/1
ARSENAL TO WIN: 7/20
DRAW: 15/4
(Odds provided by Betfair)
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Saturday’s FA Cup third round action.
Jaap Stam will make his first competitive return to Old Trafford since leaving in 2001 as Manchester United face the Dutchman’s Reading side in the 12.30pm kick off.
Arsenal are also in action away to Preston in the late kick off as Arsene Wenger looks to name a much-rotated side at Deepdale.
Other stand-out ties include Everton vs Leicester City, Hull vs Swansea and non-league Sutton United at home to AFC Wimbledon.
Stay tuned for all the latest action, goals and updates from around the grounds here…
As Jaap Stam returns to his old stomping ground, he will be hoping to put an astounding end to United's seven game win streak in all competitions. Mourinho's men are currently sitting at sixth in the BPL table, so there are certainly weaknesses to exploit for the Championship side.
Line-ups should be announced in around 20 minutes. Stay tuned for all the build up.
One to watch today...
Tyler Blackett is also facing his former club at Old Trafford today, with intentions to raise the roof and cause an upset in this third-round clash. The 22-year-old joined Reading after just seven United starts in two years with the club.
The scene is set for a fanatic FA Cup fixture. Kick-off is at 12:30 to begin today's proceedings.
How will the absence of these two United stars effect today's clash at Old Trafford?
The Reading boss marches onto the Old Trafford turf - no doubt reflecting on his time with the Red Devils. However, he's entering this match with his strongest starting side that will be hoping to continue their fine run of form. The underdogs could cause an upset for Mourinho's men today.
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