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How to watch Chelsea vs. Preston North End online for free

Bypass geo-restrictions to stream this FA Cup fixture from anywhere in the world.
 By 
Joseph Green
 on 
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Preston North End go 1-0 down
Credit: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images

TL;DR: Stream Chelsea vs. Preston North End in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.


Multiple third-round FA Cup fixtures are available to watch for free, but where is Chelsea vs. Preston North End? It's not on TV, but it is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. It would be easy to miss it, but we wouldn't let that happen to you dedicated fans out there.

If you want to watch Chelsea vs. Preston North End for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. Preston North End in the FA Cup?

Chelsea and Preston North End will kick off at 5:30 p.m. GMT on Jan. 6 at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Preston North End for free

You can stream the FA Cup fixture between Chelsea and Preston North End for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Steam Chelsea vs. Preston North End for free from anywhere in the world

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream games like Chelsea vs. Preston North End before recovering your investment.

You can also use this same process to watch the Australian Open on 9Now for free this month, so this could be the best time to make use of that money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 94 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Chelsea vs. Preston North End for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

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