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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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.
Follow the live blog below…
Please allow a moment for the blog to load…
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)
86 MINS
Iwobi cleverly weaves through a sea of white shirts, but the final strike goes straight into the path of Maxwell. He should have done better from such an appealing angle.
89 MINS
GOAL
PRESTON 1 - 2 ARSENAL
Who else but Giroud? The Arsenal man has done it again. The ball goes into the box and Perez cleverly flicks the ball back to Giroud who pokes it home. It brings a sense of desolation to the home side, as it appears to be another late win for Wenger's side.
90 MINS
There will be a minimum of four additional minutes to finish this fixture. Can Preston scrape an equaliser? We'll see.
FULL TIME
Arsenal into the fourth round of the FA-cup, following a somewhat shakey performance here today at Deepdale.
A late goal from Giroud secures Arsenal's place in the fourth round, following a shaky display at Deepdale. The home side broke the deadlock with an early goal from Robinson, which set the pace in the favour of Grayson's men for the majority before the interval. However, the goal just fifty seconds into the second-half from Ramsey gave Arsenal a lifeline and regained their confidence on the pitch.
Preston deserved more from the game, but that's the way the cookie crumbles in the FA cup. They will be tremendously upset that they do not even have a replay, but they can take a number of positives from their performance today.
It's been a classic day, crammed full of exhilarating FA Cup displays. Make sure to tune in tomorrow for coverage of tomorrows fixtures.
That's all from us. Have a fantastic Saturday evening.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments