Portsmouth and Arsenal will square off in an FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday (January 11th). The game will be played at Fratton Park.
The home side are coming into the game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing away to Bristol City in the EFL Championship. Adam Randell, Anis Mehmeti, and Scott Twine scored a goal each while Sinclair Armstrong completed the rout with a brace. The loss left Pompey in 21st spot in the standings on 25 points, just one point above the drop zone.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw at home to Liverpool in the Premier League to open up a six-point lead at the summit of the EPL standings.
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
This will be the 72nd meeting between the two sides. Arsenal have 33 wins to their name, Portsmouth were victorious 14 times, while 24 games ended in a share of the spoils.
Their most recent clash came in March 2020 when Arsenal claimed a 2-0 away win in an FA Cup fifth-round tie.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions.
Four of Portsmouth's last five games have witnessed goals at both ends.
Arsenal have lost just one of their last 12 away games across all competitions (nine wins).
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction
Portsmouth are mired in relegation concerns and are likely to prioritize surviving dropping to League One rather than a deep run in the cup. They had seemingly turned a corner, having ended 2025 with a four-game unbeaten run (two wins). However, they came crashing down on New Year's Day with their thrashing away to Bristol City.
Arsenal, for their part, are flying high and are the favorites to end their 24-year wait for the Premier League title with over half of the season played. Mikel Arteta has undoubtedly done a great job since taking the helm at the Emirates, but his sparse silverware has been a source of constant criticism. The FA Cup represents an opportunity to rectify that, in addition to their league title run.
It is difficult to see beyond a routine victory and clean sheet for the visitors.
Prediction: Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Arsenal to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score: No
Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 4 - Arsenal to score over 1.5 goals