Prediction: Preston vs Manchester United

Having masterminded the FA Cup victory over Manchester United back in 2010, Preston North End manager Simon Grayson will be hoping to lead his new side to the FA Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Louis van Gaal’s side. The Red Devils struggled against both Yeovil and Cambridge, and they could face a tough task at Deepdale Stadium.

Preston North End were relegated to the League One in 2011 after a long run in the Championship and they have been trying to return to the second tier ever since. The appointment of former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson could prove decisive as he has led the Lilywhites to fourth in the league standings, with his side four points behind the promotion places at the moment, albeit with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Grayson is proving to be the FA Cup specialist, having previously led the then League One side Leeds to an impressive triumph at Old Trafford before enjoying success in the competition with Preston as well. After seeing off Havant & Waterlooville and Shrewsbury, the Lilywhites eliminated Norwich and Sheffield United to earn a chance to host Manchester United, and no doubt Deepdale Stadium will be rocking when they host the Red Devils. Veteran striker Kevin Davies is expected to lead the line in the absence of Jermaine Beckford, while Paul Gallagher, Joe Garner and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake are players who could cause the opposition defence all sorts of problems. Callum Robinson faces a fitness test, whereas Calum Woods is definitely out.

With Arsenal and Liverpool the only top sides making it to the FA Cup quarter-finals, Manchester United will be all too aware that this competition offers them the best possible chance of avoiding a trophy-less season. Judging by their performances in the previous two rounds, the Red Devils don’t exactly have a lot to hope for, although everybody expects Louis van Gaal’s men to show a massive improvement on their displays against Yeovil Town and Cambridge United. Even if they remain in the Premiership top 4, team’s performances in the league have been far from impressive, leading to criticism from club icon Paul Scholes. And while the Red Devils have improved their home form, they continue to struggle on the road, having won mere two of last seven away matches on all fronts. And having largely struggled in their previous two FA Cup clashes, the match against very motivated Preston side will be no walk in the park. Despite the importance of the match, Louis van Gaal is expected to ring changes to his starting line-up, with the likes of Robin van Persie, Phil Jones and Daley Blind not expected to feature due to various complaints. It remains to be seen whether Victor Valdes will be handed his debut, but James Wilson, Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera should start.

Conclusion

With the packed Deepdale behind them, Preston North End can be trusted to make life difficult for their more illustrious opponents, especially given the current form of Manchester United. The Red Devils may eventually secure their place in the next stage, but everything suggests we can virtually rule out a comfortable win.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: William Hill