'That is what I think of them' - Preston North End boss pinpoints Arsenal's three major strengths as cup fever kicks in

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom knows the challenge in store on Wednesday night - no matter what Arsenal team is picked by Mikel Arteta.

It’s the Gunners at home in round four, as the Lilywhites look to cause a big upset at Deepdale. North End have seen off Sunderland, Harrogate Town and Fulham so far in the competition. Arsenal beat Bolton Wanderers, 5-1 at home, in the second round meanwhile.

Heckingbottom expects Arteta to make changes from their draw against Liverpool, last time out, but has heaps of admiration for the work the Spaniard has done at the Emirates Stadium. Preston’s boss is excited to see how his players handle such a powerful outfit - as well as the occasion.

"One thing which doesn't change is their intensity and style of play,” said Heckingbottom, on Monday afternoon. “I experienced it last season, obviously, and went on record last season to say that if anyone finished above them, they would win the league. I was proven right. That is what I think of them and how good they are. So yeah, regardless of which XI he puts out and what squad Mikel brings, we know the mentality and intensity they're bringing is of the best level - and the best you are going to face.

“100 per cent, there will be big hitters. There are internationals who have not played over the last couple of weeks, so they will have a strong team out against us. You've got to get everything right. I think what Arsenal bring, which people are starting to talk about now - but maybe weren't doing over the last couple of years - is the physicality. That is something underestimated, I think, because of the calibre of players they've got and the football they try to play.

“So, like I say, I know that is the Arsenal that will be in front of us - whatever XI he puts out. They are big, strong, athletic players who can all handle the football - but who want to compete as well. You see them celebrating when they keep clean sheets and make blocks and tackles. The ball goes out for a throw-in and you have (Martin) Odegaard shouting for his players to go and press, high up the pitch. Those little things all add up and make them a really difficult team to play against.

“It will be great for us and our players to experience that and see that, because you don't get to the top without having that. There are a lot of similarities (to last season) in how they build and what they want to do. And, they approach each game differently. I think that is something they have been really good at again... delivering that consistency and adapting to the opposition they are playing. Also, they adapt to moments in the game and have a good sense of how to win and see a game out."