Preston set the tone at Deepdale as FA Cup Round 3 looms
There is a tangible buzz around Deepdale as Preston North End prepare to host Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on January 9th. Preston arrive in confident mood after a 2-0 victory at Bristol City on January 4th and a 3-0 win on New Year’s Day; their recent run reads W-W-L-D-D-W-D-D-W-D, showing resilience and an ability to grind out results. The home side’s previous match singled out Alfie Devine as the best performer with a 7.71 rating, a timely reminder that Preston have match-winners who can make a Cup night click.
Wigan, meanwhile, have had a patchier journey. Their last outing ended in a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff on January 4th, and their form string includes a mix of draws, narrow wins and losses — L-D-W-L-L-D-W-D-W-D — that paints a team capable of flashes but also vulnerable to momentum swings. Sam Tickle was Wigan’s standout in their previous match data with a 7.77 rating, yet the visitors travel without the recent cutting edge Preston have shown at their place.
Tactical context, recent meetings and the odds
History offers a sliver of insight: the two clubs met in February 2023 in the Championship with Preston edging it 2-1. The bookies are siding with home comfort at Deepdale; the market lists Preston at 1.88 (53.19% implied probability), the draw at 3.45, and an away win at 4.10. Those lines reflect the narrative — a confident Championship side at home against a League One opponent who have struggled for consistency.
Venue and match conditions also lean toward the hosts. The game’s at Deepdale in Preston, capacity 23,408, and referee Oliver Langford will oversee what promises to be a combative knockout fixture where margins are fine.
What to expect — tempo, goals and outcome
Expect Preston to push the tempo early, looking to impose control and exploit home momentum. Wigan can spring counters and set-piece opportunities; recent scorelines indicate close affairs with both teams capable of low-scoring tactical battles. If you’re weighing goal markets, timing matters — understanding the nuances of when to stake on totals can be decisive, and reading about the right time to place bets on goal markets will sharpen that edge. Also remember the mental side of wagering in tight Cup matches — keeping discipline and composure pays dividends, so consider advice on how to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion Back Preston North End to win (1X2 market). The hosts’ recent form, home advantage at Deepdale and a market price of 1.88 make the home victory the clearest value play from the available data.
