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)
HALF TIME
Arsenal enter the interval chasing a one goal deficit, following an early goal from Robinson. The home side have been impressive throughout the first half - controlling the tempo of the fixture for the majority. Wenger's men have appeared to be unorganised and unenthuastic about this third-round clash. They began to find their feet as the half progressed, but it was too little, too late.
I am sure Wenger will have a few stern words to say to his side during the interval, so we can expect to see an improvement in the second half. Nonetheless, we have to congratulate Preston for their performance so far.
46 MINS
GOAL
PRESTON 1 - 1 ARSENAL
Just 50 seconds into the second half, Ramsey has buried a sublime strike from the edge of the box past a helpless Maxwell. It's a tremendous strike from the Arsenal man, to score his first goal since March.
Whatever Wenger said at half-time, it certainly worked...
It's all level. Game on!
49 MINS
The atmosphere of the game has completely changed. The travelling Arsenal fans are singing loud and clear and the players appear have gained momentum from that goal. Preston will be looking to re-find their fine form of the first half.
52 MINS
A late challenge on Ramsey by Pearson gives Arsenal a clear free-kick. Tempers are beginning to flare out there.
53 MINS
A feud between Gallagher and Giroud begins following a late challenge. Simon Grayson will be hoping that his players do not loose their tempers and let this game slip away from them.
56 MINS
An Arsenal corner is delivered into the box, but Gallagher clears the danger and sends the ball up to Robinson.
59 MINS
A ball over the top finds Giroud, who controls the ball but looses possession to Clarke. The Arsenal fans scream for a hand-ball, but the referee signals to play on.
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