Chelsea vs Preston preview: Pochettino’s Blues host Championship side in huge FA Cup third round clash – team news

CHELSEA will host Championship side Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend.

The Blues will be hoping to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time since 2018.

Chelsea last won the FA Cup in 2018GETTY

Mauricio Pochettino‘s side have performed better in cup competitions this campaign, with Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

But it’s been a first half of the season to forget for the Blues as they sit 10th in the Premier League despite spending £425.7m (including add-ons) in the summer.

Meanwhile, Preston sit 14th in the Championship but are just five points off the play-offs places as they chase a return to the top flight for the first time in 63 years.

Chelsea edge North End on wins in the fixture historically, with the Blues tasting victory on 31 occasions and the Lilywhites winning 26 times.

When is Chelsea vs Preston?

• Chelsea vs Preston will take place on Saturday, January 6th.
• Kick off will be at 5.30pm GMT.
• Stamford Bridge will host.

What TV channel is Chelsea vs Preston on and can it be live streamed FREE?

• Chelsea vs Preston will be broadcast live on the BBC Red Button service.
• You can live stream the match for FREE via the BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
• Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

Team news

Pochettino is expected to give a number of youngsters and fringe players some game time due to Chelsea’s upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final meeting with Middlesborough.

The Blues will definitely be without the injured list of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka for Saturday’s clash at the Bridge.

Nicolas Jackson will also be unavailable after he joined up with the Senegal squad ahead of Afcon 2023.

Preston have been without former Premier League winger Robbie Brady in recent weeks and will be a doubt for their trip to London.

What are the odds?

Match result

• Chelsea – 1/7
• Draw – 6/1
• Preston – 14/1

*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.