Preston North End host Arsenal in the RO16 of the Carabao Cup — a serious challenge for Paul Heckingbottom.
Let’s try noticing something’s about Preston’s performances lately by assessing their playstyle + recent form + debunking some of their key players.
Facing the Gunners is always going to be a huge challenge, regardless of Preston sending off Sunderland, Harrogate Town, and Fulham so far in the competition. Paul was all praise of Arsenal’s playstyle and intensity ahead of the fixture, as he’s faced Arteta last season with Sheffield United.
Paul complimented Arsenal’s competitive nature, needless of the starting XI they play. “You see them celebrating when they keep clean sheets and make blocks and tackles. The ball goes out for a throw, and you have Ødegaard shouting—all these little things add up to make them a really difficult team to play against.”
Preston like to field their side in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Heckingbottom, but are famous for deploying a 3-5-2. In possession, they like to hold the width, play through long balls, and majorly create through the LHS. Rotations in their XI + utilisation of the squad has seen them tweak changes game by game.
Defensively, Preston North End have looked to be a solid side in the championship, having 5 clean sheets to their name. Defensively like to press high up the pitch, showing their aggressive intent, and have a strong aerial presence throughout the squad (58.4%)—most in EFL.
With time and patience since the signing of their new gaffer Heckingbottom, Preston have managed to become a very compact side that shows their aggression out of possession and stay organised in defence.
In terms of aspects that can see them caught off guard, Preston can be kept ball-watching with little or no possession. A big challenge for PNE—averaging 45.3% possession in the championship. Additionally, defensively lacklustre in closing out gaps that can see through balls being played.
Recent results:
Preston are one of the 3 teams from the EFL who are in the competition. They paved their way in a thrilling 31 penalty shootout in the third round to make it this far. With only 3 wins in 12 league games, it hasn’t been an ideal start for Preston.
However, they haven’t lost a game since a 3-1 defeat to Millwall at the end of September. They host the Gunners at the back of a disastrous 3-0 lead being slipped vs. Plymouth in the championship, which ended at 3-3.
Key Players:
Former Arsenal academy player Sam Greenwood looks to be in some fine form after finding his legs at Preston, who’s on loan from Leeds United, scoring in each of his last two starts for the club.
Some other notable mentions are Emil Riis, who leads the line, Kesler-Hayden, who operates as a wingback, dominant going forward as well as defensively, and Frøkjær-Jensen, who’s their creative force in midfield.
Arsenal would view the game against the Lilywhites as a chance to mix up their lineup and give some playing time to those who haven’t seen much action lately. There’s also an anticipation that the Hale End graduates will step up and help navigate key moments in the game.
