Arsenal Face Giant-Killing Portsmouth in FA Cup Third Round Showdown: Team News, Predictions and Key Battles
Arsenal seek to maintain their quadruple ambitions by preventing an upset at Fratton Park in their FA Cup third round encounter against Portsmouth.
The Gunners currently lead the Premier League table and Champions League while preparing for the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea next Wednesday, with Mikel Arteta's squad demonstrating remarkable form throughout this campaign. The ambitious pursuit of four major titles in a single season continues if Arsenal can overcome Pompey this weekend.
Arsenal's scoreless stalemate with Liverpool on Thursday evening denied them the opportunity to establish an eight-point advantage at the Premier League's peak, but they should channel their disappointment against their Championship opponents.
A sixth FA Cup encounter between these clubs—the latest being an Arsenal triumph in 2020—presents the potential for a significant upset, though Portsmouth's league performance indicates otherwise. The coastal team suffered a devastating 5–0 defeat to Bristol City in their previous outing and find themselves embroiled in a desperate fight against relegation.
Forty positions divide these teams in the English football hierarchy, but can the underdog mentality drive Pompey to an FA Cup shock?
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.
What Time Does Portsmouth vs. Arsenal Kick-Off?
Portsmouth vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Portsmouth | Arsenal |
|---|---|
Bristol City 5–0 Portsmouth - 01/01/26 | Arsenal 0–0 Liverpool - 08/01/26 |
Portsmouth 2–1 Charlton - 29/12/25 | Bournemouth 2–3 Arsenal - 03/01/26 |
Portsmouth 1–1 QPR - 26/12/25 | Arsenal 4–1 Aston Villa - 30/12/25 |
Derby 1–1 Portsmouth - 20/12/25 | Arsenal 2–1 Brighton - 27/12/25 |
Portsmouth 2–1 Blackburn - 13/12/25 | Arsenal 1–1 (8–7 pens) Crystal Palace - 23/12/25 |
How to Watch Portsmouth vs. Arsenal on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | ESPN2, ESPN Select, ESPN App, fuboTV |
Canada | Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Plus |
Mexico | TNT Sports, TNT Go, Max Mexico |
Portsmouth Team News
As though Portsmouth's task wasn't challenging enough against the nation's elite, John Mousinho faces an extensive injury crisis. Midfielder Mark Kosznovszky has been sidelined for the entire season and accompanies numerous teammates in the medical facility.
Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews remain long-term casualties, while Callum Lang and Josh Murphy, twin sibling of Newcastle United striker Jacob, may be unavailable throughout January. The unavailability of Thomas Waddingham, Florian Bianchini, Colby Bishop and Connor Ogilvie further compounds Mousinho's difficulties.
Portsmouth have additionally lost Tottenham Hotspur loanee Yang Min-hyeok, who has been transferred to Coventry City for the campaign's second half.
Portsmouth Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Portsmouth predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Schmid; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Dozzell, Segecic; Kirk, Swift, Blair; Chaplin.
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta will make changes to his squad for the journey to Fratton Park but must leave Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman out of the fixture as they continue their recovery from injury.
Kai Havertz remains questionable for this encounter as he continues awaiting his return. He lacks competitive fitness and Arsenal are cautious about hastening the German's comeback following such an extended absence. Piero Hincapié might also be unavailable having departed early against Liverpool with an injury.
Squad players will receive opportunities against Pompey, particularly with the Chelsea fixture approaching next week. Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Jesus are among those expected to feature in the starting formation.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Portsmouth
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Portsmouth (4-2-3-1): Kepa; White, Saliba, Salmon, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Merino; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Jesus.
Portsmouth vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
Considering Portsmouth's extensive injury list and significantly weaker squad, they possess minimal chances of stopping Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Indeed, they will struggle to maintain a respectable scoreline, particularly given Arsenal's abundant options.
Arteta's extensive roster proves valuable for such situations, with numerous stars refreshed and prepared for the trip to the south coast. Comprehensive changes won't stop the Gunners from advancing comfortably to the fourth round.