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The FA Cup third round brings an intriguing clash as Preston North End of the Championship host Charlton Athletic from League One at Deepdale on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 3 PM UK time. This match promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Preston looking to bounce back from a poor start to the year, while Charlton aim to continue their impressive form and cause an upset. The FA Cup’s magic often produces surprises, and this tie could be no exception.

Preston, despite their rich history in the competition, have struggled in recent years, failing to progress beyond the third round in seven of their last nine attempts. Charlton, on the other hand, are in strong form and will be eager to reach the fourth round for the first time since 2014. Will Preston’s Championship quality prevail, or can Charlton’s momentum carry them through?

Team Analysis:

Preston North End:

Preston North End have had a mixed season in the Championship, currently sitting 15th in the table. After ending 2024 with back-to-back wins over Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday, their form has dipped in 2025, with a defeat to West Brom and a disappointing draw against Oxford United. Manager Paul Heckingbottom will be keen to use the FA Cup as a platform to reignite their season.

In the EFL Cup, Preston showed their potential, reaching the last 16 before being knocked out by Arsenal. Their journey included victories over Sunderland, Harrogate Town, and Premier League Fulham, demonstrating their ability to compete against higher-tier opposition. However, their FA Cup record is less impressive, with just two wins in their last nine third-round ties.

Preston will be boosted by the return of Andrew Hughes, who missed the West Brom game due to injury. However, Robbie Brady and Brad Potts face late fitness tests, which could force Heckingbottom to rotate his squad. Key players like Emil Riis Jakobsen and Ben Whiteman will need to step up if Preston are to avoid an upset.

Charlton Athletic:

Charlton Athletic have been in excellent form in League One, climbing into the top half of the table and closing in on the playoff places. Their recent run of 11 points from five games has been built on a solid defence, conceding just two goals in that period. In the FA Cup, they have been equally impressive, thrashing Walsall 4-0 in the second round.

Manager Nathan Jones has transformed Charlton into a well-organised and dangerous side. Their attacking prowess has been on display in the FA Cup, with four or more goals scored in three of their last four away ties. However, injuries to key defenders like Tennai Watson, Kayne Ramsay, and Zach Mitchell could pose a challenge.

Charlton’s last FA Cup third-round victory came in 2014, and they will be eager to end their poor record at this stage. With players like Alfie May and Corey Blackett-Taylor in fine form, they have the firepower to trouble Preston.

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters:

The rivalry between Preston and Charlton has been one-sided in recent years, with Preston winning the last four head-to-head meetings. Their most recent encounter in the 2019-20 Championship season ended in a 2-1 victory for Preston. However, Charlton’s last FA Cup clash with Preston was in 1966, when Preston won 3-2 at the Valley.

Prediction:

This match is finely balanced, with Preston’s Championship quality up against Charlton’s momentum and confidence. While Preston have the home advantage, Charlton’s recent form and attacking threat make them dangerous opponents. Expect a closely contested game, with Preston likely to edge it.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Preston North End 2-1 Charlton Athletic

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Betting Tips:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over
• Anytime Goalscorer: Emil Riis Jakobsen (Preston North End)
• Hot Stat: Charlton have scored 4+ goals in three of their last four away FA Cup ties.

Possible Lineups:

Preston North End: Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Bauer, McCann, Thordarson, Kesler-Hayden; Frokjaer-Jensen, Osmajic, Bowler
Charlton Athletic: Maynard-Brewer; Small, Mitchell, Jones, Gillesphey, Edwards; Berry, Coventry, Docherty; Leaburn, Campbell

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