Preview
Chelsea aim to avoid another third-round exit as they face Preston North End at Stamford Bridge. The teams last met in January 2010, with Chelsea securing a 2-0 victory at Deepdale in the FA Cup fourth round. The clash presents an opportunity for both sides to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Kickoff is at 5:30 pm GMT.
The blues, under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, have faced turbulence in the 2023/24 season but ended the year positively with four wins in their last five games across all competitions, securing a 3-2 victory over Luton Town. Cole Palmer shone, contributing to all three goals at Kenilworth Road. Despite a late scare, Chelsea held on, climbing within three points of seventh place. Their upcoming FA Cup clash against Preston follows recent successes, with the blues’ historically strong against lower-tier teams, aiming to avoid an early cup exit. The Blues eye consistency after last season’s third-round exit and target progression in this FA Cup campaign.
Preston North End, maintaining a mid-table position in the EFL Championship, struggled toward the end of 2023, enduring three defeats in their last four games. Starting 2024 with a 2-0 loss to Sunderland further compounds their woes, now residing in 14th place. Manager Ryan Lowe faces mounting pressure amidst Preston’s struggle, having won just four of their last 19 league matches. Lowe acknowledges the challenge of swiftly addressing the team’s form while emphasizing Championship focus over the upcoming FA Cup clash against Chelsea, a team they haven’t defeated in their last three encounters in the competition. Preston’s historical FA Cup struggles against top-flight opponents indicate a daunting task ahead at Stamford Bridge.
Head-to-Head
Chelsea boast a perfect record against Preston North End in the FA Cup, triumphing in all three encounters. Meanwhile, Preston have claimed only one win in their last 15 meetings with Chelsea across various competitions, dating back to February 1981.
Prediction
Saturday’s encounter between the blues and Preston North End might lean in favor of the home side, considering Chelsea’s recent resurgence and historical dominance against lower-tier teams. While Preston could pose a challenge, especially if Chelsea fields a revamped lineup, expectations lean towards a comfortable victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad at Stamford Bridge.
