Hello and how are you. The 11th of January will see the Mighty Cannon make another trip down to the south coast this time to Hampshire as they take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park in the 3rd rd. of the FAC. Kick off is at local time, and expected weather is cloudy with temps of °8 ( feels like -6°) and 51% chance of rain.
Well, after the sub-par performance against Liverpool, the FAC gives a chance of a PL breather for Arteta and co. Certainly, we will see a few changes in the changing room. I’m really interested in what George and yourselves have to say about this game, personally I expect us to win, but I felt the same against Liverpool, and at the back of my mind is a little worry that for many years Arsenal just haven’t been that committed to the FAC?
The cup can be an odd one especially at this stage, so league standings might not shed any insight at all, Portsmouth are hovering just above the Championship relegation zone- and on their last outing had a 5-0 mauling.
Last time we lost at Fratton Park in any seriousness was in the early spring of 1958. I’m sure the Positively Arsenal long-beards will recall us playing against Portsmouth on the way to the final in 1971 ( a 1-1 draw at FP and then winning 4-3 at Highbury), while all of us can remember the match back in 2004 when the Arsenal beat them 5-1 with an Henry masterclass. If he plays I wish such a performance on Big Vik who needs something to boost his confidence and some service from the wings…
One thing is, we won’t be wearing the cursed white kit!
Unavailable for the Gunners are Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), Max Dowman (ankle) Riccardo Calafiori (muscle), whilst Kai Havertz ( fitness), Piero Hincapie (muscle) are looking doubtful. Mosquera may be back for the 14th though.
For Pompey, Mark Kosznovszky (knee), Florian Bianchini (knee), Hayden Matthews (ankle),Callum Lang (hamstring), Josh Knight (back), Thomas Waddingham (thigh) Josh Murphy (hamstring), Connor Ogilvie (knee),are unable to play while Colby Bishop is doubtful with a ankle injury.
Our chums at Statto HQ looked up from playing D+D and declared that they have given Portsmouth 8.7% chance of victory and Arsenal a 76.2% chance of victory with harmony.
Next up a semi-final clash in the League Cup at Stamford bridge and Chelsea. So COYG!
Mills
Well Mills, I think we will make loads of changes, those that come in will be desperate to impress ,Arteta will be desperate to show us that his teams can be better that watching paint dry and we will batter them.
That’s what I think.
Pedantic George.