This FA Cup preview sees another two live fixtures featuring Premier League and League sides.

The first match on Saturday evening sees Preston take on Arsenal, this is the first time these sides have met in 67 years.

Preston vs Arsenal – Saturday 7th January 2017 – 17:30 - BT Sport 2

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Preston welcome Arsenal to Deepdale in the third round of the FA Cup, with the big boys now entering proceedings.

Simon Grayson's side come into this match in great form, with another win against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

Tom Clarke (45+1) scored the only goal of the game in first-half injury time to give his side all three points.

It was a tight encounter at the Pirelli, with the goal coming against the run of play, Grayson will be delighted with his sides resolve.

Preston Solid

Preston have been in excellent recent form, they have lost just once in their last six matches.

The 4-1 defeat against Grayson's former employers Leeds is their only blemish, with three wins and two draws either side of that loss.

They will be looking to build on their excellent season, they are now up to 11th in the Championship, six points off the play offs.

Preston Underdogs

Preston do come into this match as the underdogs, with Arsenal's Premier League pedigree informing the odds.

This will be another tough fixture for Simon Grayson's side, with Arsenal in excellent form this season.

Preston haven't played Arsenal in 57 years incredibly, their overall record against the Gunners is mixed though.

Preston are 6/1 with Jordan Hugill at 9/1 to score first.

Preston

Bournemouth Rescue Act

The Gunners come into this match in good form, securing a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Arsenal found themselves 3-0 down thanks to goals from Charlie Daniels (16), Callum Wilson (20) and Ryan Fraser (58).

Captain Steven Francis was given a straight red card in the 82nd minute for a foul on Aaron Ramsey, another questionable decision from an official.

It was an epic comeback from the Gunners though, with Alexis Sanchez (70), Lucas Perez (75) and Olivier Giroud (90+2) ensuring they grabbed a point.

Lucas Perez' goal was a cracking left foot volley, it was also his first of the season and gave them the belief to go for the draw.

Arsene Wenger will be delighted, considering they were 3-0 down to get a late draw is an excellent show of resilience.

Gunners At The Double

The Gunners have now provided the perfect response to successive defeats against Everton and Manchester City.

Wins against Crystal Palace and West Brom, as well as this defiant draw against Bournemouth means they are now three unbeaten.

Olivier Giroud came to the Gunners rescue again, with the Frenchman in excellent goal scoring form now.

Gunners Favourites

Arsenal come into this match as favourites, with their excellent record this season informing those odds.

The Gunners will be looking to progress in this competition, they were the double holders going into last year.

Arsenal will be looking to continue their excellent recent overall against Preston, they have won 30, drawn 13 and lost 21 of their 64 meetings.

Arsenal are 2/5 with Olivier Giroud at 100/30 to open the scoring.

 

The second fixture sees Liverpool host League Two Plymouth at Anfield. This is a fixture that Jurgen Klopp will want to win and deliver some long overdue silverware at Liverpool.

Liverpool vs Plymouth – Sunday 8th January 2017 – 13:30 - BT Sport 2

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Liverpool welcome Plymouth to Anfield in the third round of the FA Cup, with the big boys now entering proceedings.

Jurgen Klopp's men come into this match on the back of a 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Monday.

Daniel Sturridge (19) opened the scoring for Liverpool, with the England forward returning to the starting line-up after injury.

Jermain Defoe (25) scored the first of two goals from the penalty spot, equalising for the home side.

Sadio Mane (72) gave Liverpool the lead for the second time in the match, before turning into the villain.

His handball meant that Defoe stepped up (84), to score his and Sunderland's second from the spot to ensure a share of the spoils.

Reds Unbeaten In Five

The Reds have been in excellent recent form, they remain the only side relatively close to leaders Chelsea.

They are now unbeaten in their last six but the draw against Sunderland means they have ended their winning streak of four successive matches.

Liverpool will be targeting a run in this competition, with Jurgen Klopp desperate to win his first trophy at Anfield.

Red Hot Favourites

Liverpool head into this fixture as the heavy favourites, with their excellent league form and the difference in divisions informing that.

With the absence of European football this season, a trophy will be a top priority for Jurgen Klopp and his side.

The Reds have never faced Plymouth in any competition, they will be looking to complete a comfortable win.

Liverpool are 1/7 with Daniel Sturridge at 11/4 to score first.

Liverpool

Plymouth In Great Form

Plymouth come into this match in good form, despite losing 1-0 away to Barnet on Monday afternoon.

Mauro Vilhete (14) scored the opening and only goal of the game for Barnet, ending the Pilgrims recent run of five games unbeaten.

That defeat will be disappointing, with Plymouth missing the chance to keep the pressure up on Darren Ferguson's Doncaster Rovers.

The gap between the two sides is now four points, although the Pilgrims do have a game in hand on the league leaders.

Plymouth In Excellent Form

Plymouth have had an excellent season in League Two, they have recorded 15 wins from their opening 24 matches this season.

Wins against Crawley, Newport and Accrington were either side of a 3-3 draw against Wycombe Wanderers.

The defeat against Barnet was their 6th defeat of this season, Liverpool will be an enormous challenge for them though.

Plymouth Underdogs

Plymouth come into this match as underdogs, with the three divisions difference meaning an enormous gulf in class.

The Pilgrims will be looking to avoid back to back defeats, this match will be like a cup final for them though, especially at Anfield.

This is the first meeting between the two sides, Plymouth will be looking to complete a massive victory.

Plymouth are 16/1 with Graham Carey at 12/1 to open the scoring.

 

Betting Tips

Tip 1 – Welbeck to score first @ 7/2 and Arsenal to win 3-1 @ 10/1

Tip 2 – Origi to score first @ 3/1 and Liverpool to win 5-0 @ 12/1

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