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Preston North End v Arsenal: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Arsenal have not won the EFL Cup since 1993, but the Gunners have a routine opportunity to make the quarter-final of this season's competition as they head to Championship side Preston North End.

The Gunners would have been frustrated to have been held to a 2-2 draw at home to title rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, having overcome injuries and suspension to produce a measured performance, but they should hit back with victory over Preston at Deepdale.

They blew League One Bolton Wanderers away 5-1 in the previous round and they will be expected to have Preston’s measure.

That said, the Lancastians have dumped out Championship leaders Sunderland and Premier League Fulham in this season’s competition and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will know that they cannot take their challenge lightly.

Preston North End v Arsenal

Preston North End v Arsenal betting tips and predictions

Arsenal to win & both teams to score - 15/8

The EFL Cup may not be at the top of Arteta’s priority list, especially with a trip to Newcastle coming up on Sunday, but the Spaniard still fielded a strong side in the previous round as his troops brushed aside the challenge of Bolton 5-1.

Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling were all among Arteta’s starters, so Preston may want to prepare for a stern test from some Gunners with a point to prove.

Given the strength at Arsenal’s disposal, it is hard to envisage an upset even despite the fact that the Lilywhites find themselves with only one defeat in nine.

The fact that the hosts have already knocked out Sunderland and Fulham in this season’s competition may only mean that Arteta gives them plenty of respect and places his trust in a number of first-team players.

That said, the clean sheets have dried up for Arsenal of late and there is every hope that Preston may be at least able to make their mark.

The Gunners have conceded in five consecutive league matches, which includes twice to Leicester City and Bournemouth as well as at home to Southampton, while League One Bolton were able to grab a consolation in defeat at the Emirates in the previous round.

Preston may still be furious about throwing away a three-goal lead at Plymouth Argyle on Saturday and that 3-3 draw came hot on the heels of a 2-2 stalemate with Norwich City, so their recent fixtures have been exciting.

North End are pretty reliable at Deepdale, where they have lost only one of their eight outings this season, which provides extra hope of them breaching this Arsenal defence.

Raheem Sterling anytime goalscorer - 6/4

This should be the perfect match in which to hand a start to Raheem Sterling, who has largely been limited to substitute appearances since making a loan switch from Chelsea in the summer.

Sterling should still have plenty to offer at 29 years of age and he will feel he has a point to prove, which could make him a dangerous opponent for Preston to line up against.

The England international started in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the previous round and he grabbed the fourth goal, showing a hunger and desire to prove his doubters wrong.

Sterling lined up against Preston in the FA Cup last season while with Chelsea and he was on target in a 4-0 victory, so he may be able to follow up in this EFL Cup encounter.

Ben Whiteman to be shown a card - 3/1

This is going to be a steep learning curve for Preston as they come up against top Premier League quality and it could contribute to a couple of cards as they bid to nullify the Gunners’ threat.

Winning the midfield battle is going to be key and that may mean that Ben Whiteman falls foul to the referee.

The 28-year-old box-to-box midfielder has picked up six bookings in 12 appearances this season, which includes each of his last three matches at Deepdale and, at 3/1 to collect another card, he must be of interest.

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Preston North End v Arsenal odds

Preston North End - 9/1
Draw -
11/2
Arsenal -
1/4

View the full market and more odds for Preston North End v Arsenal on site

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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