Kick Off: 1730, 07/01/2017
Stadium: Deepdale
TV: BT Sport 2
Preston last met Arsenal in the FA Cup 18 years ago when Arsenal ran out 4-2 winners at Deepdale. The Lilywhites are unbeaten in their last two games and prior to the 1-0 win at Burton, both teams had scored in their previous seven matches.
Arsenal avoided a third successive away defeat for the first time in five years with a dramatic comeback at Bournemouth, where they scored three goals in 15 minutes to secure a 3-3 draw. The Gunners have scored more goals away from home (23) than any other Premier League team.
A Look At Preston’s Betting Odds
Preston are unbeaten in their last two, winning their last match at Burton. The Lilywhites are an interesting 27/4 to win this FA Cup third-round tie against an Arsenal team that will be missing some of their big guns. The draw is also tempting at 15/4.
Both teams have scored in seven of Preston’s last eight matches and Arsenal top the Premier League stats for both teams scoring at 80% away from home. The 9/5 on offer for the Gunners to win and to concede is skinny, but a likely outcome so should not be ignored.
Preston have also scored exactly one goal in six of their last eight games and with both teams scoring in Arsenal’s last six away games, we think the 3/2 on Simon Grayson’s side netting just once represents good value.
A Look At Arsenal’s Betting Odds
Arsenal have a few injury problems and are resting a couple of their most important players, but still have a starting XI to frighten the best Championship sides.
We always favour the Lead-Lose market when it comes to FA Cup third-round day and there could be a shock start at Deepdale. Preston have taken the lead in five of their last eight matches and with Arsenal resting some key players, they could be caught cold as they were at Bournemouth. The 25/4 on the lead changing hands is a tempting offer.
Olivier Giroud has scored in each of his last three games and he will lead the line in the absence of the rested Alexis Sanchez. Go for Giroud at 7/10 to score at any time.
Additional stats
Last result:
Burton 0-1 PRESTON – Tom Clarke
Bournemouth 3-3 ARSENAL – Alexis Sanchez, Lucas Perez, Olivier Giroud
Head-to-head: Arsenal 2-1 Preston, Preston 2-4 Arsenal
Team news: Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin is out for up to a month with a hamstring problem, while Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny will be rested. David Ospina comes in for Petr Cech, but there are doubts surrounding Mesut Ozil (illness), Theo Walcott (calf) and Lucas Perez (ankle). Mohamed Elneny is away on international duty. Preston striker Jermaine Beckford remains suspended.
