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)
63 MINS
Arsenal need to step it up a gear and exploit the newfound vulnerability of the Preston side.
Oxlade-Chamberlain drives forward, but his attempted cross is blocked. Corner kick.
66 MINS
Yellow card: Cunningham flies into the back of Perez, and although he gets the ball, he takes the player as well.
68 MINS
Giroud appears to have picked up a knock following a clash with Clarke. He gets up, but he's limping.
Arsenal are looking the better side of the two at the moment, but Preston are still more than capable of causing an upset.
70 MINS
Yellow card: Gabriel clashes into the back of Hugill and picks up a deserved warning.
72 MINS
An Arsenal corner goes in towards the near post and Mustafi connects beautifully with it, but Maxwell manages to react quickly and parry the ball to safety. It's a great opportunity for the visitors.
75 MINS
Substitutions: Hugell is replaced by Makienok
The Preston fans gives the youngster a stand ovation.
77 MINS
Perez delivers a sublime over the top to Giroud, who knocks the ball into the back of the net. However, much to the disappointment of the Arsenal fans - it's flagged offside. The French striker has made significant improvements in the second half.
84 MINS
Arsenal are continuing to dominate possession, but their efforts are going unrewarded as the scores remain level. They continue to press forward, but the Preston defence are holding up on home turf. They have every outfield player behind the ball - they look although they will settle for a draw here today.
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