Chelsea vs Preston LIVE! FA Cup result, match stream and latest updates today

Chelsea vs Preston LIVE!

Chelsea scored three times in 11 second-half minutes to ease into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over Preston at Stamford Bridge. A frustrating showing from Mauricio Pochettino's side, in which they hogged the ball throughout the first half but carved few openings, burst to life 13 minutes after the break with Armando Broja heading in his second goal of the season from Malo Gusto's cross.

Broja might and perhaps ought to have made it two, meeting Mudryk's ball in and directing a near identical header an inch over Woodman's crossbar, as Chelsea finally asserted their superior class. That was followed by two in rapid succession, first from substitute Thiago Silva, who nodded in from Cole Palmer's corner, then another when Raheem Sterling whacked a free-kick beyond the dive of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, as Preston's accomplished first-half defensive showing faded into memory.

Sterling's goal to make it three was a peach, before a ludicrously drawn out VAR check confirmed a fourth from Fernandez at the end, as he tapped in right at the end from a yard out, a final reminder of the gulf to Ryan Lowe's side who are 14th in the Championship.

Chelsea vs Preston latest news

• GOAL! Fernandez adds fourth after VAR check

• GOAL! Sterling puts result beyond doubt

• GOAL! Silva doubles advantage

• GOAL! Broja heads Chelsea in front

Chelsea player ratings

19:47 , Matt Verri

Mykhailo Mudryk - 4

Mudryk made almost no impact on the game, losing his duels down his left-hand side and being taken off in the 61st minute.

Armando Broja - 7

The striker initially struggled to impose but scored a much-needed towering header for himself and Chelsea. He then hit the bar with a similar effort and rounded Freddie Woodman just after being sparked into life.

Read our ratings in full here!

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:35 , Matt Verri

It ends up being a great night for Chelsea as the substitutes help change the game.

They remain a team that are very good when it is going well but struggle to compete in tough times. A bad first half but a good second.

FT: Chelsea 4-0 Preston

19:27 , Matt Verri

And there is the full-time whistle.

Chelsea kept at bay for almost an hour, but they've cruised into the fourth round in the end.

A strong start to 2024 for the Blues.

Chelsea 4-0 Preston

19:24 , Matt Verri

90+6 mins: Madueke in all sorts of space in the box.

Onto his left foot, takes his time before eventually getting the shot away. Takes too long. Blocked.

Chelsea 4-0 Preston

19:22 , Matt Verri

90+4 mins: Madueke flicks the ball in behind, Washington chases after it and earns Chelsea a corner.

Taken short, Madueke then tries to run down the byline. Another corner.

Chelsea 4-0 Preston

19:19 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Golding on for Chelsea and he should score!

Madueke's shot is saved, falls for Golding six yards out but he sends a tame effort straight at Woodman.

Chelsea 4-0 Preston

19:18 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Eight minutes added on.

Sure that's exactly what Preston wanted to hear...

GOAL! Chelsea 4-0 Preston | Enzo Fernandez

19:15 , Matt Verri

After all that, it's been given!

Simple finish, and he just about kept himself onside.

19:15 , Matt Verri

Long, long VAR check. Just what we all wanted.

They're not sure if this is offside... it's very tight.

GOOOO... OFFSIDE!

19:13 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Fernandez turns the ball into an empty net, but the flag is up.

Sterling and Caicedo both had chances to shoot before then... eventually fell for Fernandez at the back post.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

19:09 , Matt Verri

Armando Broja and Cole Palmer have been taken off but they were both enjoying themselves and wanted to stay on.

Deivid Washington making just his second appearance for Chelsea.

Chelsea 3-0 Preston

19:08 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Madueke catches this strike nicely, whistles over the bar.

Sterling and Fernandez nearly open Preston up, it's smashed out for a throw-in. Some tired Preston legs now.

Chelsea 3-0 Preston

19:05 , Matt Verri

77 mins: Madueke from 25 yards out, it's a shot that he gets all wrong... nearly a perfect cross!

Onto Washington's head, but he can't direct it at goal.

Chelsea 3-0 Preston

19:03 , Matt Verri

76 mins: Broja and Palmer off, Gallagher and Washington on for the Blues.

There are more goals in this for Chelsea if they want to keep pushing, you feel.

Chelsea 3-0 Preston

19:02 , Matt Verri

74 mins: Preston corner, bobbles through everyone in the box.

Headed back into the middle, Caicedo is there to clear it with a bicycle kick. Of course.

Chelsea 3-0 Preston

18:59 , Matt Verri

71 mins: This could be any score now.

Broja clean through, goes round the goalkeeper and his shot is cleared off the line.

Sterling then tries his luck from distance, shot deflected into the side-netting.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:57 , Matt Verri

Raheem Sterling bends in a wonderful free-kick to kill off Preston. Chelsea are romping away to victory now.

This strike was a carbon copy of his goal away at Newcastle in November.

GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Preston | Raheem Sterling 69'

18:56 , Matt Verri

Whiteman brings down Palmer right on the edge of the area. Yellow card.

Sterling to take... Sterling to score!

Brilliant free-kick, clipped into the top corner. Woodman gets nowhere near it.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:55 , Matt Verri

Thiago Silva scores a header from a corner with what might be his first touch.

Chelsea's quality has ultimately told but they will need to lift their level for future challenges.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Preston | Thiago Silva 66'

18:53 , Matt Verri

Madueke looks to have created space for the shot, it's poked away for a corner though.

And it's 2-0!

That should do it. Swung into the near post, Silva allowed a clear run and he powers the header home.

Chelsea 1-0 Preston

18:51 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Sterling drifts into the box, takes an age to get a shot away... too long.

Eventually he runs into a red well and Preston can scramble the ball away.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:49 , Matt Verri

Chelsea didn’t start the half well but have found a moment of quality, Gusto in-swinging cross is headed in by Armando Broja goal. Both the striker and Chelsea needed that.

Noni Madueke and Thiago Silva are coming on, Mauricio Pochettino is taking no chances.

Chelsea 1-0 Preston

18:48 , Matt Verri

60 mins: And he nearly has a second!

Mudryk this time puts the ball in, Broja beats Woodman to it but heads just over the bar.

First Chelsea changes - Silva on for Gilchrist. Madueke also coming on, replacing Mudryk.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Preston | Armando Broja 57'

18:45 , Matt Verri

Chelsea take the lead!

They really needed that. Gusto cuts onto his right foot, whips a cross into the middle and Broja flicks a header into the far corner.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:44 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Osmajic down and he'll need some treatment.

Boos from Chelsea fans, who have decided there is nothing wrong with him. He's going to be fine to continue.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:41 , Matt Verri

53 mins: More like it from Chelsea, as Sterling injects a bit of pace into their play. Gets to the byline and wins a corner.

Taken short, pulled back to Disasi and he blasts an effort over the bar.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:38 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Broja and Sterling have briefly switched positions, Broja moving out wide.

He's had a chance to impress this evening - barely had a kick.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:36 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Not sure what Pochettino said at half-time, but Chelsea don't look any better.

Preston still comfortable on the ball and offering a threat in forward areas. Miller charges down the left, Caicedo there to mop up.

Terrible pass out though, here come Preston again. Browne fires wide.

Back underway!

18:33 , Matt Verri

Second-half is up and running.

As close as either side came

18:25 , Matt Verri

Maybe too cool from Cole Palmer...

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:20 , Matt Verri

Mauricio Pochettino looks furious at half-time and went down the tunnel before the whistle was blown.

It’s 0-0 against Preston and they look capable of causing an upset.

Chelsea have been poor.

HT: Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:17 , Matt Verri

And that's half-time.

Preston can be delighted with their efforts at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had a ten-minute spell where they began to create chances, but it's been pretty miserable from the Blues apart from that.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:15 , Matt Verri

44 mins: This is really poor from Chelsea - Preston getting so much time on the ball.

Gusto then gives away a needless free-kick out wide, up come the Preston centre-backs.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:12 , Matt Verri

42 mins: Sterling keeps trying to beat Millar on the outside... it's not working.

No space as he jinks towards the byline, cross into the box goes straight out of play.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:10 , Matt Verri

There’s an argument to say Gilchrist has been Chelsea’s best player so far.

It is a credit to him but you’d expect better from some of his team-mates.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:09 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Dear me, Chelsea really under pressure.

Preston corner isn't cleared by the Blues, ball comes back in and the visitors have numbers at the back post. Should have made more of it.

Preston look the better side right now!

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:07 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Weak from Broja, shrugged off the ball when Chelsea would have had a chance to break had he held it up.

At the other end, Osmajic shows him how it's done. Wins a throw-in for his side.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:06 , Matt Verri

Alfie Gilchrist is playing well so far, creating one big chance and handling a very dangerous 1-v-1.

Chants of "Alfie Gilchrist, he's one of our own," coming from the Matthew Harding End.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

18:03 , Matt Verri

32 mins: Keane with a lovely turn in the middle of the pitch, pings a pass out to Millar.

He looks to have beaten Gilchrist, but the Chelsea defender gets back well to lunge and block the cross.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

18:01 , Matt Verri

Preston are giving Chelsea a real game.

They are currently one of the worst teams in the Championship but the old school low block and long ball approach is Chelsea's kryptonite.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:59 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Sterling gets in behind down the right, after a really nice ball from Palmer.

Cut back isn't a great one, but the attempted clearance loops up perfectly for Fernandez. Six yards out, unmarked... header straight at Woodman.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:58 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Colwill caught out, long ball forward is flicked on and Osmajic is away.

Tight angle, goes for goal anyway and Petrovic can get down comfortably to save.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:57 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Couple of hopeful balls over the top from Fernandez, neither come to anything.

Preston fans making plenty of noise, and they're enjoying their trip to London more and more as this match goes on.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

17:55 , Matt Verri

Cole Palmer with an unbelievable run, touch but he then missed the goal when it looked easier to score.

He is laughing; it doesn't look like the missed chance will affect a player oozing with confidence.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:52 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Should be 1-0!

Lovely ball over the top from Fernandez, Palmer with the run in behind.

Takes it down perfectly, stands still and looks to scoop the ball over Woodman. Rolls wide.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

17:52 , Matt Verri

Raheem Sterling had Chelsea's first meaningful attempt on goal after good play by Alfie Gilchrist.

Sterling has squandered a second chance moments later but Will Keane also had a shot on goal for Preston.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:51 , Matt Verri

20 mins: Scramble on the edge of the Preston box, ball falls for Sterling and his shot is turned over for a corner.

Palmer to take this, poor delivery and smacked away at the near post.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:49 , Matt Verri

18 mins: First chance of the match and it's a good way for Chelsea.

Hughes loses the ball and the Blues have space for the first time, as Gilchrist makes the run into the box.

He cuts it back into the path of Sterling, who should do better. Shot deflected up and easily claimed by Woodman.

At the other end, Keane forces Petrovic into a save with a tame effort from distance.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:47 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Preston growing in confidence, getting plenty of bodies forward.

Ball swung into the middle, not convincing from Chelsea but they just about scramble it away.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

17:46 , Matt Verri

6,000 away fans in Stamford Bridge for Preston are dominating the noise.

They are having a great day out despite minimal goalmouth action at either end.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:45 , Matt Verri

14 mins: Sterling tries to beat Millar, loses the ball and then gives away the foul as the Preston man spins really nicely.

Already get the feeling this could be a frustrating evening for Chelsea.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:42 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Millar brings the ball forward down the left for Preston, who look full of confidence.

Ball swung into the box, too deep though and Guston can head it out for a throw-in.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:39 , Matt Verri

8 mins: Clear plan for Chelsea to go down their right, Sterling with a couple of bright runs early on.

Preston relatively comfortable in defence though - they're sitting back and giving Chelsea no space.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:36 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Chelsea seeing pretty much all of the ball, as we expected, but you feel there will be chances on the counter for Preston.

The Blues are yet to do anything with their possession, mass of red shirts in front of them.

Chelsea 0-0 Preston

17:33 , Matt Verri

2 mins: It's Gilchrist at right-back on his first start for Chelsea, with Guston on the left.

Preston with an early chance to break, Chelsea a bit exposed, but Colwill gets across well to intercept the pass down the line.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

17:31 , Matt Verri

A huge crowd surfer is displayed at Stamford Bridge for Gianluca Vialli as Lee Parker, Chelsea's announcer, delivers a wonderful emotional tribute to the great man.

It is exactly one year to the day since his passing.

KICK-OFF!

17:31 , Matt Verri

We're up and running at Stamford Bridge.

Here we go!

17:29 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge, handshakes are done.

Kick-off coming up in just a couple of minutes.

Lowe: Chelsea match not least of my worries

17:26 , Matt Verri

Ryan Lowe angered Preston fans when he declared this match was the least of his worries, claiming the Championship fixtures were more significant.

Unsurprisingly, the Preston boss has since moved back on those comments.

Lowe said: “It’s definitely not the least of my worries. I apologise if anyone’s taken it in a different way, it definitely wasn’t meant like that.

"I’m pleased that our fans are going back down there, 6000-plus. They’re going to travel in their numbers by train, by coaches. I know there’s a lot of coaches going.

“We want to send our fans home happy as well. We want them to go and enjoy their day because it’s not every week you go and play a massive club like Chelsea."

Premier League clubs get job done

17:17 , Matt Verri

Brighton and Bournemouth were both given scares in the 3pm kick-offs, but they came from behind to seal their place in the FA Cup fourth road.

Burnley are the only Premier League side to have been knocked out of the competition so far, after their narrow defeat to Tottenham last night.

Werner set for Premier League return

17:12 , Matt Verri

RB Leipzig have confirmed that Timo Werner is in talks over a move to another club as Tottenham appear to close in on a shock loan deal for the former Chelsea striker.

Surprise reports first emerged from Germany on Saturday morning claiming that Spurs were on the verge of bringing in the 27-year-old until the end of the season.

Talks between the two clubs were already said to be at an advanced stage, with claims that Werner was due to travel to London on Sunday in order to finalise his return to the Premier League following only a one-and-a-half year absence.

Now Leipzig appear to have all but confirmed negotiations.

"Timo Werner is not in the squad for today's friendly, as he is in talks with another club," Leipzig confirmed in an update released via their official social media channels.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

17:08 , Matt Verri

Nicolas Jackson is at the African Cup of Nations and could be away for over a month if Senegal reach the final.

It is a huge chance for Armando Broja to come in and force his way into the team more regularly.

The homegrown striker has performed parts of his game well but looks short of confidence in front of goal.

Pochettino explains team selection

17:01 , Matt Verri

"This is a big competition for us and we want to make sure we get through [to the next round]," the Chelsea boss said.

"We’ve picked a strong team today which we feel is capable of reaching the next round but we know we will have to be at our best to do that because Preston will make it very difficult for us."

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

16:54 , Matt Verri

Big evening coming up for Alfie Gilchrist!

Preston not in form...

16:47 , Matt Verri

It's just one win in five matches for Preston, who have dropped down to 14th in the Championship.

They've named a strong side this evening, with a full week until they are next in action in the league, when they host Bristol City.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

16:40 , Matt Verri

Alfie Gilchrist starts his first game for Chelsea to fulfil his boyhood dream against Preston.

The 20-year-old defender grew up supporting Chelsea and earned his spot in two committed substitute appearances against Luton and Crystal Palace. He is expected to start at right back.

Academy stars Michael Golding and Dylan Williams are among the substitutes as Chelsea remain without 10 players, with Ian Maatsen only fit enough for the bench.

Christopher Nkunku isn't risked in the squad after Mauricio Pochettino cited fitness issues.

Preston team news

16:38 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Whiteman, McCann, Browne, Millar; Keane, Osmajic

Subs: Cornell, Cunningham, Best, Ledson, Frokjaer, Holmes, Woodburn, Evans, Riis

Chelsea team news

16:31 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Petrovic; Gilchrist, Disasi, Colwill, Gusto; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja.

Subs: Bergstrom, Bettinelli, Silva, Maatsen, Williams, Gallagher, Golding, Madueke, Washington

Blues in the building!

16:20 , Matt Verri

The Chelsea players have arrived at Stamford Bridge...

Pochettino responds to Gallagher speculation

16:12 , Matt Verri

Mauricio Pochettino says it is up to Conor Gallagher to guarantee that he remains at Chelsea until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge despite starting every Premier League match for which he has been available this season.

With only 18 months left on his current deal, his future is far from certain, with Tottenham and West Ham both showing interest during the summer.

Asked whether he could guarantee that Chelsea won't sell Gallagher in January, manager Pochettino said: "Look, I cannot guarantee I am going to be here tomorrow or any other thing!

"Look, in football different things can happen and it is between the club and the players. Only the player and club can guarantee it, the player more than the club because the player has one year and a half more and he can stay.

"He can say, 'yes, I am going to stay because my coach can allow me to stay and be here' and then the club has to do a negotiation, as always, to make the best decision for the club and the team."

Frank insists Toney will not be sold

16:03 , Matt Verri

Ivan Toney will not leave Brentford in the January transfer window, manager Thomas Frank has insisted.

The likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have both held long-term interest in signing Toney, who will be available to face Nottingham Forest on January 20 following the end of his eight-month betting ban.

Brentford want between £80million and £100m for the England striker, and no official bids have come in yet.

“The very short answer: yes”, Frank replied when asked whether Toney will stay at Brentford this month. “He is a Brentford player; he is here. Clearly we miss a few offensive players; I can’t see why we would sell him, and I would love to have him for a longer time.

“If I ever, ever could recommend [his sale], and it’s not for me to say yes or no — that’s Phil [Giles, director of football] or Matthew [Benham, owner] — then it needs to be for an unbelievable price. So he will stay here.”

Pochettino: Madueke now know what we expect of him

15:55 , Matt Verri

Mauricio Pochettino says in-form Noni Madueke needed to improve his mentality to become a fully-fledged Chelsea player.

A crucial match-winning penalty at home to Crystal Palace was followed up by a wonderful strike away at Luton in only Madueke's second Premier League start of the season.

But Pochettino admits he initially overlooked Madueke as he struggled to show the mentality and behaviour required to make it at this level.

He said: “I am so happy, it took him nearly six months to realise what we expect from him. Players need to improve and he is improving a lot. His behaviour now and how he has committed to himself first, and with the rest of the ideas from the club.

“He has potential and talent in the way that he needs to do the things and behave in the future if he wants to succeed.

“That is the platform for everyone and then it is about being right in your mind and be consistent in the way we propose they behave.”

Stage is set!

15:48 , Matt Verri

Chelsea in action for the first time in 2024.

Chelsea need Broja to step up

15:39 , Matt Verri

Armando Broja will hope to rediscover his goalscoring touch this month to show Chelsea why they do not need to sign another striker.

The 22-year-old is likely to make his second consecutive start this evening, as the Blues host Preston.

With Nicolas Jackson heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, Broja is set for a run in the team and a chance to prove his worth to Mauricio Pochettino.

Jackson could miss up to seven matches if Senegal reach the AFCON Final and, while Christopher Nkunku can also play through the middle, Broja is the only player in the Chelsea squad with the traditional characteristics of a target man.

Read more on that here!

Standard Sport prediction

15:29 , Matt Verri

The visitors are very much out of form and come up against a Chelsea team enjoying their cup excursions under Pochettino.

It should prove to be a comfortable evening for the Blues.

Chelsea to win, 3-0.

Preston team news

15:20 , Matt Verri

Preston hope to have Jack Whatmough back from injury - the defender came off in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of December.

However, a calf issue is set to keep Robbie Brady out.

Chelsea team news

15:14 , Matt Verri

Chelsea's absentee list has stretched into double figures as they prepare to host Preston in the FA Cup

Benoit Badiashile remains sidelined having missed the trip to Luton last weekend and is still in a "reconditioning phase".

Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia will also miss the match at Stamford Bridge this evening.

Thiago Silva could be rested from the backline, but Ian Maatsen may start despite ongoing talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential transfer. Alfie Gilchrist represents a viable alternative after being promoted from the academy.

In-form Cole Palmer could continue, Armando Broja will replace Nicolas Jackson, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Raheem Sterling is pushing to be recalled to the starting lineup.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Maatsen; Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Mudryk, Sterling; Broja

How to watch Chelsea vs Preston

15:07 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, today's game will be shown live and free-to-air on the BBC red button service. Kick-off is at 5:30pm GMT.

Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. Both are free with subscriptions.

Live blog: You can follow all the action right here, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.

Good afternoon!

15:02 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Preston!

The Blues kick off their FA Cup campaign with what on paper looks to be a favourable draw, at home to Championship opposition.

As we've seen with Chelsea over the past 18 months or so though, nothing is ever guaranteed.

We'll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5:30pm GMT from Stamford Bridge. Stay with us!