The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash between Chelsea and Preston North End.
A spot in the FA Cup fourth round will be up for grabs when Chelsea and Preston North End lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. Both teams are looking at the FA Cup as their only avenue to a silverware this term.
Chelsea’s form has slightly turned around in the last few weeks, with the Blues winning four of their last five games. But they remain in the mid-table positions in the Premier League. That is also the case for Preston North End in the EFL Championship, although they have the exact opposite record compared to the home side.
Where to Watch Chelsea vs Preston North End
Chelsea vs Preston North End will kick off at 5:30 pm GMT at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening. The BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website will stream the game in the United Kingdom.
For readers in India, the Sony Sports Network will telecast the game, while you can stream it on the Sony LIV app. Viewers in the USA can catch the match on ESPN+. Meanwhile, Network 10 and Paramount+ will broadcast the fixture in Australia.
Form
Chelsea: LWWLWW
As iterated earlier, Chelsea’s form has improved in the last few weeks, even though it has not reflected in the Premier League standings. The Blues have won four of their most recent six games, including the two most recent fixtures.
Both these victories came by a one-goal margin. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have also progressed in a cup competition during this run, getting past Newcastle United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Preston North End: WLLWLL
Preston North End’s recent form directly contrasts Chelsea’s. The Lilywhites have won two and lost four of their last six matches, including the two most recent games. They have gone down to Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday in those fixtures and need to turn things around to have any chance of mounting a challenge for the play-off positions.
Head-to-Head Record
Chelsea and Preston North End have previously locked horns 74 times, with the West London club winning 31 games (D17 L26). The two most recent meetings have come in the FA Cup, with the Blues winning both matches by a two-goal margin. In fact, they have never lost to Preston in the FA Cup.
Key Stats
- Chelsea and Preston North End have met only twice in the 21st century, with the West London club winning both games.
- The Blues have won all three meetings with Preston North End in the FA Cup.
- Preston North End are winless in their last eight away meetings against the Blues, suffering five defeats (D3).
- Preston North End have lost seven of their last ten games, failing to score in four of those defeats.
- Eight of Chelsea’s last 11 matches have gone over 2.5 goals.
Prediction and Betting Tips
The contrasting form and the improving productivity of the Chelsea attack means Preston North End will have a tall order to get anything from the game. While the Lilywhites will take the game to their hosts, they will struggle to extract anything from the match. So, we are betting on Chelsea to win.
Chelsea’s defensive output has been shoddy in the last few weeks, with Mauricio Pochettino struggling to shore things up at the back. So, despite Preston North End’s inconsistent form, they will find a way past Djordje Petrovic. We are predicting both teams to score.
