Preston vs. Burnley Tips and Odds – 01/03/2025

• Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
• Venue: Deepdale, Preston
• Fixture: Preston North End vs Burnley (FA Cup Fifth Round)

Match Preview

The FA Cup fifth round brings an exciting Lancashire derby to Deepdale as Preston North End host high-flying Burnley. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two sides with contrasting recent fortunes.

Preston North End, currently sitting mid-table in the Championship, will be looking to cause an upset against their Premier League opponents. The Lilywhites have shown resilience at home this season and will hope to leverage their home advantage. However, they face significant challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries and suspensions.

Burnley, on the other hand, enter this fixture in exceptional form. The Clarets are enjoying an impressive 19-match unbeaten run in the Championship and have kept an unprecedented 10 consecutive clean sheets. This defensive solidity, coupled with their attacking prowess, makes them formidable opponents in this cup tie.

The atmosphere at Deepdale is expected to be electric, with the home fans eager to see their team pull off a major upset. Preston’s manager will likely emphasize the importance of a strong defensive performance, aiming to nullify Burnley’s attacking threats and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities. The Lilywhites have a history of causing upsets in cup competitions, and they will be motivated to add another chapter to that story.

Additionally, the tactical approach of both managers will be crucial. Preston might opt for a more conservative strategy, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting any lapses in Burnley’s defense. Meanwhile, Burnley could look to dominate possession and wear down the Preston defense with sustained pressure. The ability of each team to adapt and execute their game plan effectively will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this match.

Key Players

Preston North End:

• Milutin Osmajic: The striker scored in Preston’s recent league victory and will be crucial to their attacking efforts.
• Zian Flemming: With two goals to his name this season, Flemming could provide the creative spark Preston needs.

Burnley:

• Marcus Edwards: Having featured from the bench in recent games, Edwards could make his full debut and impact the match.
• James Trafford: The goalkeeper has been instrumental in Burnley’s impressive run of clean sheets.

Prediction

Given Burnley’s exceptional form and Preston’s injury concerns, the visitors enter this match as favorites. However, the magic of the FA Cup often produces surprises, and Preston’s home support could play a significant role. A closely contested match is expected, with Burnley’s quality potentially making the difference in the end.

This Lancashire derby promises to be an enthralling cup tie, with both teams eager to progress to the next round of the FA Cup.

Betting Markets

With both teams’ recent defensive solidity, a low-scoring affair seems likely. However, in a derby match, anything can happen, making this an exciting prospect for neutrals and supporters alike.