FA Cup Fourth Round Preview: Preston North End vs Wycombe
Published:
Fixture: Preston North End vs Wycombe Wanderers
Date: Saturday, 8 February 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Deepdale, Preston
Match Overview
Deepdale awaits as Preston North End and Wycombe Wanderers battle for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Both sides come into this clash eager to extend their cup adventure, with Preston aiming to reassert their Championship pedigree and Wycombe eyeing an upset.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End will be looking to bounce back after their recent 2-1 defeat to Blackburn, a frustrating night where they controlled large parts of the game but lacked cutting edge. However, their home form remains strong, having beaten Middlesbrough (2-1) and Charlton (2-1) at Deepdale in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Wycombe has built momentum, heading into this clash on the back of a five-game unbeaten run. Mike Dodds's side has developed a stubborn defensive structure, but whether they can handle Preston’s attacking quality remains to be seen.
Cup football thrives on surprises, and Wycombe will believe. But Preston’s superior squad depth and home advantage give them the edge.
Recent Form & Cup Journey
Preston North End (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- L 1-2 vs Blackburn (Championship)
- W 2-1 vs Middlesbrough (Championship)
- W 2-1 vs Watford (Championship)
- D 0-0 vs Luton Town (Championship)
- W 2-1 vs Charlton (FA Cup Third Round)
Preston have won four of their last five home matches—including cup and league—showing good resilience on home soil.
Wycombe Wanderers (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- D 1-1 vs Cambridge (League One)
- W 2-1 vs Barnsley (League One)
- D 0-0 vs Northampton (League One)
- W 2-1 vs Mansfield (League One)
- W 2-0 vs Portsmouth (FA Cup Third Round)
Wycombe’s defensive solidity is their strength, with only three goals conceded in their last five games.
Head-to-Head & FA Cup History
- Preston hold the advantage in the head-to-head, with 9 wins compared to Wycombe’s 3 victories, with 5 draws between them.
- Their last FA Cup meeting was in 2021, where Wycombe shocked Preston with a 4-1 win.
- However, Preston has dominated at Deepdale, winning their last three FA Cup home ties against Wycombe.
Can Wycombe repeat their 2021 heroics, or will Preston keep their cup dreams alive?
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Preston North End Team News
Preston are missing a few key players, but Paul Heckingbottom is expected to field a strong lineup.
Out/Injured:
- Ben Whiteman (ankle injury, out until March)
- Robbie Brady (back injury, doubtful)
Possible XI (3-4-3)
- GK: Freddie Woodman
- DEF: Lewis Gibson, Andrew Hughes, Jordan Storey
- MID: Kaine Kesler, Ryan Ledson, Alistair McCann, Josh Meghoma
- ATT: Emil Riis, Mads Frökjaer-Jensen, Milutin Osmajic
Key Player: Mads Frökjaer-Jensen – Creative and composed, he will dictate Preston’s attacking play.
Wycombe Wanderers Team News
Wycombe have a full-strength squad and will look to frustrate Preston with their defensive structure.
Possible XI (4-4-2)
- GK: Franco Ravizzoli
- DEF: Luke Leahy, Daniel Harvey, Joe Low, Jack Grimmer
- MID: Josh Scowen, Tyreeq Bakinson, Garath McCleary, David Wheeler
- ATT: Richard Kone, Daniel Udoh
Key Player: Richard Kone – The youngster will be Wycombe’s main goal threat as he enjoys a highly prolific campaign in front of goal.
Tactical Breakdown & What to Expect
Preston North End’s Approach
- High possession, patient build-up, control in midfield.
- Stretch Wycombe’s compact shape using wing-backs Kesler and Meghoma.
- Break them down with Frökjaer-Jensen’s creativity.
Wycombe Wanderers’ Approach
- Sit deep, defend aggressively, frustrate Preston.
- Look for counter-attacks with Kone and Udoh.
- Set-pieces could be their best chance of an upset.
Prediction: Preston’s Home Form to Prevail
Wycombe will dig in, battle hard, and make it difficult. But Preston has the quality, the home support, and the momentum to edge this one.
Final Score Prediction: Preston North End 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Preston’s firepower and depth should see them through to the next round.
The FA Cup is built on dreams and upsets. Wycombe want history. Preston wants progression. Only one will move on. Deepdale awaits.
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