Preston vs Arsenal Predictions

• Arsenal have conceded in six of their last eight matches in all competitions
• Arsenal have lost only one of their last 19 competitive matches
• Both teams have scored in six of Preston’s last nine EFL Cup ties

Gunners won’t take Preston lightly

Preston’s run to the fourth round of the EFL Cup has seen them dump out Championship leaders Sunderland and Premier League outfit Fulham, but Arsenal are likely to prove a bridge too far for the Lancastrians.

The League Cup may not be at the top of Mikel Arteta’s priority list, especially with a trip to Newcastle on Sunday, but he fielded a strong side in the previous round as they swatted aside Bolton 5-1.

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

That said, the clean sheets have dried up for Arsenal in recent weeks and, in what is unlikely to be a full-strength defence, Preston may make their mark.

Hosts may make presence felt

The Gunners have conceded in five straight league games, which includes twice to Leicester and Bournemouth and against Southampton, while Bolton were able to grab a consolation in defeat at the Emirates in the previous round.

Preston have suffered only one defeat in their last nine, although they may still be reeling from throwing away a three-goal lead to draw at Plymouth on Saturday.

So Arsenal can advance into the quarter-final and correct-score punters may want to opt for a 3-1 away victory, given both teams have scored in six of Preston’s last ten outings.