Clock End kid: Opposition keeper excited to play Arsenal | OneFootball

Freddie Woodman, Preston North End‘s goalkeeper, will have a special reason to look forward to the Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal at the end of October.

The fourth-round fixture against Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners will see Woodman face a team he grew up admiring.

The encounter at Deepdale holds personal significance for the shot-stopper, who spent many weekends watching Arsenal in the Clock End as a child, during the era of Arsene Wenger‘s Invincibles.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman celebrates his team’s third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Huddersfield Town at Deepdale on April 09, 2024 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

“Arsenal is a good one, yeah!” Woodman said. “I spent a lot of time in the Clock End as a kid. My best friend was a massive Arsenal fan and season ticket holder. I spent a lot of time watching the Invincibles, which was obviously unbelievable. To finally go and play Arsenal, in the cup, it will be quite special.”

Woodman’s connection with Arsenal doesn’t end with his childhood memories.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Arsenal U21 goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman looks on during the Leasing.com Trophy match between Northampton Town and Arsenal U21 at PTS Academy Stadium on August 27, 2019 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

The goalkeeper was linked with a potential move to the Emirates back in 2021, when Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing him from Newcastle United, during the time he was on loan at Swansea City.

At the time, his father, Andy Woodman, worked at Arsenal as the under-23s head of goalkeeping. However, the move did not materialise (arsenal signed Mat Ryan), and Woodman ultimately signed for Preston in the summer of 2022.

Reflecting on his own performances this season, Woodman has seen an uptick in form recently and credits his improvement to adapting to the style of new manager Paul Heckingbottom. “I think I am starting to find my form again, which is nice. I’ve had a couple of good games and played well in the cup,” Woodman said.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Freddie Woodman of Preston North End scores a penalty during the penalty shoot out in the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Preston North End and Fulham at Deepdale on September 17, 2024 in Preston, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“Since the new manager has come in, he’s been demanding of me doing a different role – but one I know I am capable of doing. It has been exciting, I feel like I’ve learned a lot already, and I feel like we’re building nicely in the games.”

Preston North End have significant attacking challenges heading into the clash with Arsenal at the end of October.

Will Keane, their leading striker, is set to miss the game due to an injury that could keep him out for up to eight weeks, longer than initially anticipated.

Keane’s absence, along with Milutin Osmajic’s suspension for biting an opponent—resulting in an eight-match ban—leaves the Lilywhites short on striking options.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Owen Beck confronts Preston’s Milutin Osmajic about an alleged bite from the Preston player during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Blackburn Rovers FC at Deepdale on September 22, 2024 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images)

Against Burnley on Saturday, Emil Riis led the line in place of Keane and Osmajic, though the Dane has only one goal in 10 games this season, highlighting Preston’s difficulty in front of goal.

Sam Greenwood, another possible candidate to spearhead Preston’s attack against Arsenal, brings added intrigue to the fixture.

The former Arsenal academy striker, currently on loan from Leeds United, has been utilised mostly in midfield but has a solid track record in this season’s League Cup, scoring twice in three appearances and converting two penalties in Preston’s shootout win over Fulham.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Sam Greenwood of Preston North End reacts after being shown a red card during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Blackburn Rovers FC at Deepdale on September 22, 2024 in Preston, England. (Photo by Gary Oakley/Getty Images)

With a potential midfield reshuffle and an injury-ravaged forward line, Preston will undoubtedly need their defensive structure—including a high-performing Freddie Woodman—to rise to the occasion against the Gunners, who have been in fine form in both the Premier League and cup competitions this season.