Preston to hold Spurs to a lucrative cup replay
Tottenham Hotspur make the trip up to Lancashire on Saturday evening to face Championship outfit Preston North End. The hosts are in mid-table in the second tier, with only a handful of points separating them in 11th from Watford in third. Here, they have a free hit against a side that are also very inconsistent and might not relish this FA Cup fourth round clash at this moment in time. Read our preview here:
Right, said Ched
Despite having one of the smallest budgets in the division, Ryan Lowe successfully steered the Lilywhites clear of relegation worries when he was appointed midway through last season, and looks to be repeating that trick in 2022/2023. The young manager will be without cup-tied duo Liam Delap and Troy Parrott, preventing the latter from possibly notching against his parent side. Instead, Ched Evans will lead the line alongside Everton loanee Thomas Cannon in Lowe's preferred 3-5-2 system. The former has had more than his share of off-field controversy, but at 34, is still a reasonably reliable goalscorer, having accrued six in all competitions this year. Wing-backs Álvaro Fernández (Manchester United) and Alan Browne will be asked to get high up the pitch to support the front two, whereas the emphasis in midfield will be to soak up the inevitable pressure that comes their way from the visitors.
Strike it Rich
Antonio Conte and his recruitment team are currently laser focused on securing a permanent deal for Sporting CP right wing-back Pedro Porro before the end of the transfer window to help solve that problem position, regardless of where the medium-term future of the Italian head coach lies. Lucas Moura is definitely out, and aside from him, it's down to how seriously or how much risk Conte wants to take with some of his more headline names. The Deepdale clash could be used to help ease Richarlison back into the first team picture after a highly successful individual World Cup for him was had with Brazil. Arnaut Danjuma, who looked destined to join Everton, has instead signed for the north London club, and could make a cameo from the bench if his registration was made in time.
Betting tip
bet365 have enhanced odds of 5.50 for a draw that would be a big fillip for Lowe's Preston on and off the pitch.
