Preston vs Charlton

Preston North End are set to host Charlton Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on Tuesday at Deepdale, in a match that was rearranged after the original fixture on Saturday was postponed. This encounter sees the League One side, Charlton, entering the game in stronger form, as they have enjoyed a much more successful start to the new year than their Championship counterparts, Preston, who have found themselves struggling in the opening weeks of 2025.

Coming into the match, the contrast in form between the two sides is clear. While Preston began 2025 with high hopes, the reality has been disappointing. After ending 2024 with wins against Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday, they have failed to build on that momentum. A loss at West Bromwich Albion was followed by a frustrating draw at home to Oxford United, leaving Preston languishing in 15th place in the Championship standings. This poor run of results has cast a shadow over their ambitions, and they will be hoping for a strong response in the FA Cup to turn their fortunes around.

The Lilywhites will be looking to replicate their positive domestic cup performances this season, hoping that success in one competition can help restore confidence and form in another. Preston’s run in the EFL Cup was impressive, as they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by Premier League giants Arsenal. Along the way, they triumphed over Sunderland, Harrogate Town, and even a Premier League team in Fulham, showing their potential to compete against higher-level opposition. However, the FA Cup has been a different story in recent years. Despite their rich history in the competition, Preston has not progressed past the fourth round in nearly six decades. Their best showing in the FA Cup since the 1960s came in 1966, when they reached the quarter-finals. The club’s FA Cup glory days came in the early 20th century, when they were one of the biggest names in English football. They are two-time winners of the competition and have been runners-up on six occasions, but their last final appearance was back in 1964. Since then, the club’s progress in the tournament has been limited, with a series of early exits and disappointments. The most recent of these came in 2019-20, when Preston defeated Charlton 3-2 at the Valley in the Championship, but their overall recent record in the FA Cup at this stage is poor, having lost seven out of nine games in the third round since their return to the Championship in 2015-16.

On the other hand, Charlton Athletic are also no strangers to FA Cup disappointments in recent years. Like Preston, they have struggled to make much of an impact in the third round in recent seasons, failing to reach the fourth round since 2014. In fact, their last four appearances in the third round have ended in defeat, a run that highlights their struggles to progress past this stage. However, Charlton’s history in the FA Cup is a bit brighter than Preston’s in recent years. The club reached the quarter-finals in 2014, which remains one of their best performances in the competition. Their other strong showings came in 1994, 2000, and 2006, with their crowning achievement being their FA Cup triumph in 1947, when they lifted the trophy for the first and only time in their history. While Charlton have not been able to replicate those glory days recently, their performances so far in this season’s FA Cup suggest that they could be a potential dark horse. In the previous round, they produced an impressive 4-0 victory over Walsall, who have been runaway leaders in League Two. This dominant display showcased Charlton’s potential to cause an upset against higher-level opposition, and they will be hoping to carry that form into their clash with Preston.

Charlton’s recent run in the FA Cup is not just a flash in the pan either, as they have been consistent in their ability to score goals in the competition. The visitors have scored four or more goals in three of their last four away FA Cup ties, a remarkable feat considering that they had only managed to do so three times in the previous 73 such matches. They have also shown they can perform under pressure, with their 4-0 win over Walsall in the previous round highlighting their attacking capabilities. Charlton’s record on the road in the FA Cup has been solid, and they will be looking to continue that trend at Deepdale. Their attacking players will be looking to build on this momentum and provide the firepower needed to overcome Preston in what promises to be a difficult test.

In terms of league form, Charlton have also made significant strides, improving their position in the League One standings. They have moved into the top half of the table and are just seven points adrift of the playoff spots, with two games in hand. This resurgence has been fueled by a strong run of results, with the team collecting 11 points from their last five league matches. Defensively, they have been particularly solid, conceding only twice in that run of games. This defensive solidity, combined with their attacking prowess, makes Charlton a formidable opponent for Preston. Their improved form in League One will give them confidence going into this cup tie, and they will be hoping to carry that momentum into their FA Cup campaign.

Preston, however, will not be taken lightly by Charlton. Despite their poor form in the league, they remain a competitive team with a strong squad capable of challenging in the FA Cup. Under the guidance of manager Paul Heckingbottom, they will be looking to bounce back from their recent disappointments and make a strong push in the tournament. While they have struggled at this stage in recent years, the opportunity to progress in the FA Cup could provide a much-needed lift for the club and its supporters. Preston’s squad, which boasts several experienced players, will be keen to prove that they can still compete on the big stage and put their league troubles behind them.

This match at Deepdale promises to be an intriguing contest, with both teams eager to make their mark in the FA Cup. Preston will be looking to shake off their recent struggles and continue their quest for cup glory, while Charlton will aim to build on their recent improvements and continue their impressive FA Cup form. With both teams in relatively good form and a cup tie that is sure to bring out the best in both sides, this encounter could prove to be an exciting and closely contested affair.