Chelsea vs Preston North End: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :January 4, 2024 at 3:21 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:26 AM

Preston to visit Stamford Bridge for FA Cup third-round tie against the Blues

Mauricio Pochettino’s men are starting to get their rhythm back. In the last five games, Chelsea have won four while losing just once. These results come after two back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Everton. The Blues were on the road last game against Luton Town which they won narrowly 3-2. Now they have a FA Cup third-round tie to follow before the EFL Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough.

Preston North End are probably visiting Stamford Bridge at the wrong time as Chelsea are on a 6 home match-unbeaten run. Amidst this, the Preston side led by Ryan Lowe sits 14th in the EFL Championship. In the last league match, the Lancashire-based club fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sunderland which also means they have gone without scoring in 180 minutes of competitive football. Previously it was a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 6 January 2024 at 5:30 PM UK (11:00 PM IST)

Location: Stamford Bridge

Form

Chelsea (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-W

Preston North End (in all competitions): L-L-W-L-L

Players to Watch

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The last game against Luton Town was won 3-2 just because of Cole Palmer’s brilliance. Palmer scored two goals in the game and even was the assist provider for Noni Madueke’s goal. Those efforts bought the attacking midfielder’s PL tally after 17 appearances to 8 goals and 4 assists.

Liam Millar (Preston North End)

At the left flank of the Preston North End, Liam Millar is expected to start. The winger from Canada is on loan from Switzerland club FC Basel. Millar has been an influential player for his side playing 20 EFL Championship games. In those games, he managed 4 assists and 3 goals as well.

Match Facts

Last year Chelsea lost at the same stage, the third round of the FA Cup, against Man City
In the last five games in all competitions, the Blues have won four while the Invincibles have just one victory
In all three FA Cup meetings between both these sides to date, the West London club have come out on top

Injury & Team News

A massive boost for injury-riddled Chelsea side. Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and left-back Ben Chilwell are both seen back in training. The lengthy injury list has – goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Trevor Chalobah and Romeo Lavia.

The visitors however aren’t without many players sidelined like their hosts. North End have two players sidelined currently. Midfielder Robbie Brady has a calf injury while centre-back Jack Whatmough has knee trouble.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 15

Chelsea wins – 9

Preston North End wins – 1

Draws – 5

Predicted Lineup

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Bettinelli (GK); Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Maatsen; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Jackson; Broja

Preston North End predicted lineup (4-1-4-1):

Woodman (GK); Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; McCann; Browne, Whiteman, Frøkjær-Jensen, Millar; Evans

Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Preston North End

After the last two matches, Preston are on a goalless run and this away tie comes to them at the wrong time. The hosts are going strong lately plus are on a 6 game unbeaten home run. Even though Chelsea are piled with injuries, the rest of the pack should be able to handle the second-tier outfit quite well.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Preston North End

Telecast for Chelsea vs Preston North End

India – Sony Sports

UK – BBC, ITV

US – ESPN

Nigeria – Supersport

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.