Preston vs Arsenal FC Prediction, Match Preview & Live Streaming, 31 October 2024

This EFL Cup fourth-round clash sees Preston North End taking on Arsenal at Deepdale. The weather forecast for the match is a cool 12°C with broken clouds and minimal wind speeds, which should make for optimal playing conditions. This game will be held under the watchful eye of managers Paul Heckingbottom and Mikel Arteta.

Preston, currently mid-table in the Championship, comes into this game unbeaten in their last four matches, highlighting their resilient form. However, they will be without key players like Brady, Evans, Keane, and Osmajic. Arsenal, who defeated Bolton to get here, have been in impressive form, remaining unbeaten in their five recent encounters, though they may miss Timber and Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal is considered the bookmaker’s favourite, and with key players like Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz in good form, a win for the Gunners seems likely. A recommended bet would be Arsenal with a -2.00 Asian Handicap, given their b lineup.

With both teams having scored consistently in the tournament, the match promises to deliver an exciting spectacle.

Match Facts:

Kai Havertz has scored 1 goal in 1 match in this tournament this season.
Preston have scored in 6 consecutive matches in the tournament.

Preston vs. Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tip

For this EFL Cup clash between Preston and Arsenal, our recommended betting tip is Arsenal -2.00 (Asian Handicap). Given Arsenal’s b form and status as bookmaker favourites, they are expected to secure a comfortable win.

Preston vs. Arsenal Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Arsenal -2.00 (Asian Handicap)	2.25

Reasons for this prediction:

Arsenal has shown impressive form with recent performances.
Bookmakers have significantly favored Arsenal for this match.
Key statistics indicate consistent scoring from Arsenal, enhancing their winning potential.

Preston vs. Arsenal Odds

Fans eagerly anticipating the EFL Cup match between Preston and Arsenal can look at the odds to get an idea of what to expect. Arsenal is the bookmaker’s favorite for this encounter, reflecting their superior form and overall strength. Despite their home ground advantage, Preston faces tough odds against a formidable Arsenal side.

Preston vs. Arsenal Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Preston	9.83
Draw	5.58
Arsenal	1.28

These odds suggest that if Arsenal can play to their full potential, they should win comfortably.

Preston Team Analysis

Preston Recent Performance DDWDW

Preston has been enjoying a solid run of form lately, evidenced by their unbeaten streak in the last four matches across all competitions. They have demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in defense, managing three clean sheets in their last five games.

Recent Form: DDWDW
Preston’s recent performance highlights include:

Scoring Consistency: They have managed to find the back of the net in each of their last six matches.
Defensive Solidity: Maintaining three clean sheets in their last five games reflects their defensive robustness.
Resilient Midfield: The midfield’s control has been crucial, with steady contributions from players like Ben Whiteman and Mads Frøkjær-Jensen.
Injury Concerns: Key injuries could challenge their depth.

Their last five results:

Home team	Away team	Result
Plymouth Argyle	Preston North End	3-3 (Draw)
Preston North End	Norwich City	2-2 (Draw)
Preston North End	Coventry City	1-0 (Win)
Burnley	Preston North End	0-0 (Draw)
Preston North End	Watford	3-0 (Win)

With an average of 1.8 goals scored in the last five games, Preston shows they have the firepower to challenge even ber opponents, despite their current injury struggles.

Preston Key Players

Preston will rely heavily on key figures to make an impact against Arsenal in this EFL Cup clash. Milutin Osmajic is their top scorer with 3 goals in the tournament, adding sharpness to their attack. Unfortunately, his presence will be missed due to injury. Ben Whiteman and Mads Froekjaer-Jensen have been pivotal in midfield, controlling the tempo and providing a creative thrust. In defense, Freddie Woodman in goal, along with Liam Lindsay and Jordan Storey, will be crucial to maintaining their defensive solidity. Expected lineup for Preston:

Goalkeeper: Freddie Woodman
Defenders: Andrew Hughes, Liam Lindsay, Jordan Storey
Midfielders: Mads Froekjaer-Jensen, Ben Whiteman, Alistair McCann, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Robert Brady
Forwards: Emil Riis Jakobsen, Sam Greenwood Their performance and ability to contain Arsenal’s attacking threats will be key to securing a positive result.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston will be facing Arsenal with a few key absences that could impact their performance. Here’s a closer look at their current injury list:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Ched Evans	Physical discomfort	Early November 2024
Patrick Bauer	Elbow injury	Late November 2024
Will Keane	Tendon injury	Late November 2024
Robert Brady	Unknown	Late November 2024

The absentees include important players like Ched Evans and Will Keane, which might weaken Preston’s attacking options. Additionally, Robert Brady, who has been influential in midfield, will also be missed. These injuries mean that manager Paul Heckingbottom might have to rely on younger or less experienced players to fill the gaps, potentially affecting their dynamics and depth against a b Arsenal side.

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Forward: Emil Riis Jakobsen
Midfield Combination: Mads Frøkjær-Jensen, Ben Whiteman, Alistair McCann
Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
Notable Strategy: Solid defensive setup, usually aiming to hold possession and exploit counter-attacks through the flanks.

Given their recent form and the absence of key players, manager Paul Heckingbottom is likely to stick with a structured 4-2-3-1 formation. This approach maximizes their defensive solidity and allows them to quickly transition into attack with wide players like Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Robert Brady contributing crucial crosses for the forwards. The disciplined midfield, often dominated by Ben Whiteman, can intercept plays and maintain their defensive shape, making them a troubling opponent for Arsenal’s attack.

Arsenal Team Analysis

Arsenal Recent Performance DWLWW

Arsenal has been in good form recently, showcasing their strength in both offensive and defensive areas. The Gunners have clinched three wins, one draw, and suffered one loss in their last five matches. They have an average of 1.60 goals scored per game and managed to keep two clean sheets during this period, reflecting their balanced gameplay.

Let’s take a look at their recent match results:

Home Team	Away Team	Result
Arsenal	Liverpool	2-2 (Draw)
Arsenal	Shakhtar Donetsk	1-0 (Win)
AFC Bournemouth	Arsenal	2-0 (Loss)
Arsenal	Southampton	3-1 (Win)
Arsenal	PSG	2-0 (Win)

Their recent spike in form is boosted by the efforts of crucial players like Ethan Nwaneri, who has already scored two goals in the EFL Cup this season.

Arsenal Key Players

Expected lineup for Arsenal:

Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Thomas Partey, Ben White, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Forwards: Kai Havertz

Ethan Nwaneri is the standout player for Arsenal in the EFL Cup this season, having already netted two goals in the tournament. In midfield, Declan Rice, who has also found the back of the net, will play a pivotal role both defensively and offensively.

Kai Havertz, with his physical presence and recent goal-scoring form, will be key in Arsenal’s attack, likely facing off against Preston’s sturdy defense, including players like Jordan Storey.

Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries

Arsenal is facing a few injury concerns as they head into this EFL Cup Round 4 clash against Preston. These injuries might impact their line-up and overall performance:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Kieran Tierney	Thigh injury	Late November 2024
Martin Ødegaard	Ankle injury	A few weeks
Riccardo Calafiori	Knee injury	Late November 2024
Jurrien Timber	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Gabriel Magalhães	Knee injury	Unknown

There are no suspensions listed for Arsenal, which is a relief for the team. The absence of key players like Martin Ødegaard could impact Arsenal’s creativity in midfield. However, they have a deep squad with quality backups who could step up to fill those gaps. It’s crucial for Arsenal to manage these injuries effectively to maintain their b form in both domestic and European competitions.

Arsenal Tactics and Formation

Arsenal’s Tactical Breakdown:

Formation: Predominantly 4-2-3-1
Key Forward: Kai Havertz – A versatile attacker who recently found the net in this tournament.
Midfield Trio: Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka – Combining creativity and defensive solidity.
Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games, showcasing b defensive discipline.
Notable Strategy: Arsenal tends to dominate possession and create chances through quick transitions, particularly effective during the middle stages of the half (45-60 minutes).
Recent Lineup Details:
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Thomas Partey, Ben White, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Expected Strategy: Arsenal is expected to leverage their pace on the wings through Saka and Martinelli, supported by the powerful and accurate passing from Rice in the midfield. Raya’s distribution skills from the goal will also play a crucial role in initiating attacks.

Preston vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Statistics

Preston and Arsenal have not faced each other frequently in recent years. Their last encounter dates back to January 2017. Here’s a look at how that match turned out:

Venue and Weather

Deepdale, the home ground of Preston North End, is one of the oldest stadiums in professional football, with a seating capacity of around 23,404.

For the match on 31 October, conditions seem manageable but not perfect. The forecast predicts broken clouds, with the temperature expected to hover around 12°C. The pressure will stand at 1028 hPa, while humidity is quite high at 86%. Wind speeds will be low, approximately 1.04 m/s.

These conditions might lead to a slightly slower pace, especially with the high humidity contributing to fatigue. Arsenal, with their technical play, may need to adapt, while Preston might find the cool temperature to their advantage, boosting their stamina against a formidable opponent.