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Pompey are preparing to face current Premier League title contenders Arsenal in the FA Cup third round this weekend.
The Gunners have been in stunning form this season as Mikel Arteta’s side put themselves in pole position to finally bring an end to their 22-year wait for a top-flight title. The likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba have all impressed as the north London giants have moved clear of several title rivals - and there are high hopes a successful second half of the season lies in wait.
However, with the TV cameras rolling into Fratton Park and the eyes of the world watching, Pompey will hope to firmly move on from their heavy New Year’s Day defeat at Bristol City in spectacular fashion by causing what would be one of the upsets of the third round.
With just days to go, we take a look at everything you need to know as John Mousinho and his players prepare to take on one of the favourites to lift this season’s FA Cup.
Where and when does Portsmouth v Arsenal take place?
QPR pick up a point at Fratton Park.placeholder image
QPR pick up a point at Fratton Park. | Getty Images
The FA Cup third round tie between Pompey and Arsenal will take place at Fratton Park on Sunday, January 11. Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm.
Are there tickets available for Portsmouth v Arsenal?
Unfortunately not! Pompey did announce a ‘limited number’ of tickets were available earlier in the week and they were placed for sale via the club’s ticketing outlet. Unsurprisingly, they were quickly snapped up and that means Fratton Park will host a sell-out crowd for the tie.
What has Mikel Arteta said about the tie?
Arteta could look to strengthen further in the summerplaceholder image
Arteta could look to strengthen further in the summer | Getty Images
Nothing, not yet anyway! But Arteta has previously praised the Fratton Park atmosphere after his side avoided an FA Cup upset against Pompey in March 2020. Speaking after a much-changed Gunners side claimed a 2-0 win, Arteta said: ‘It's a difficult place to come but I have faith in these kids. They always respond and I always knew they would do that. They have to learn from the difficult moments and manage them but they have the talent and desire and look how hard they work.
‘I'm really enjoying working with this group of players,. It's a process. I know everything has to be today or yesterday but in football it doesn't happen like this. I'm seeing a lot of things I'm happy with but there is a lot of room to improve.’
What have Portsmouth said about the FA Cup draw?
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AFP via Getty Images
Not a lot either - but former Pompey striker Peter Crouch has warned Arsenal what they will face at Fratton Park. Crouch told TNT Sports: ‘Honestly, the atmosphere there is unbelievable. They’ve got a good history in the Cup with Harry (Redknapp), won it and done really, really well. Of course, the atmosphere there is going to be white hot.’
Is Portsmouth v Arsenal live on television?
Yes, a total of 22 third-round ties will be broadcast live across the weekend and Pompey’s meeting with the Gunners is on that long list.
TNT Sports and Discovery+ have selected the tie for live broadcast and their coverage will get under way at 1.30pm, just half an hour before kick-off at Fratton Park.
The tie will also feature on a BBC Match of the Day highlights show that will be broadcast at 10.30pm on Sunday night.
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