Arsenal Unleashes Fresh Faces Against Portsmouth in High-Stakes FA Cup Clash
Arsenal kick off their FA Cup journey against Portsmouth this Sunday afternoon in a match filled with early 2000s Premier League memories.
These two teams were once frequent top-division rivals, but Portsmouth's dramatic fall through the leagues means this upcoming encounter marks only their second meeting in the last 15 years. They previously clashed in 2020 during the FA Cup fifth round, with Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah finding the net in a 2-0 Arsenal victory on their path to lifting the trophy.
Arsenal continue to chase the quadruple and must navigate a potentially tricky encounter at Fratton Park to maintain their hopes. Considering the quality and depth within Mikel Arteta's roster, overcoming an injury-plagued Championship side should be manageable.
Arsenal featured on Thursday evening in a scoreless stalemate with Liverpool and will face another 'Big Six' rival on Wednesday when they meet Chelsea in the opening leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Arteta should seize this chance to rotate his squad extensively on the south coast this weekend.
Here's how Arsenal might set up against Portsmouth.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Portsmouth (4-2-3-1)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga—Arsenal's second-choice goalkeeper has featured in only three matches since his summer arrival, all coming in the Carabao Cup. The Spanish keeper boasts experience reaching domestic finals with Chelsea, though he's yet to claim the FA Cup.
RB: Ben White—Jurriën Timber will receive a deserved break against Portsmouth as White returns to the starting eleven at right-back. Having two exceptional choices for this position is fortunate for Arteta.
CB: William Saliba—Injuries to Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and now Piero Hincapié restrict Arteta's center-back selections, while Gabriel's playing time also requires careful management. Saliba might be compelled to start once more at Fratton Park.
CB: Marli Salmon—These injuries create an opportunity for 16-year-old prodigy Marli Salmon, who made his brief first appearance in the Champions League this season. Learning alongside Saliba, to whom the teenager has drawn comparisons, presents an incredible chance.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Lewis-Skelly didn't particularly impress when substituting for the injured Hincapié against Liverpool but should face a much easier test against Portsmouth.
DM: Christian Nørgaard—A practical summer signing rather than a marquee acquisition, Nørgaard was brought in precisely for these types of matches. He could potentially play center-back, as he did versus Club Brugge last month, but will more likely anchor the midfield.
DM: Mikel Merino—The return of attacking players has enabled Merino to shift back into central midfield, though he remains a useful emergency striker option for Arteta. The Spaniard's inclusion on Sunday should provide Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice with much-needed rest.
RW: Noni Madueke—Madueke shone at Bournemouth last weekend and has consistently impressed when given starting opportunities this season. He'll be seeking his first domestic Arsenal goal against Pompey.
AM: Eberechi Eze—Martin Ødegaard's excellent form has restricted Eze's playing time recently, with only 12 minutes across the last four matches. He merits a start against Portsmouth and will pose significant problems for the Championship team.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Following considerable criticism for an incident involving Conor Bradley on Thursday, Martinelli will aim to generate positive headlines at Portsmouth. He's yet to score in nine previous FA Cup outings.
ST: Gabriel Jesus—A strong showing against Portsmouth could see Jesus elevated to Arteta's first-choice lineup after Viktor Gyökeres' poor recent displays. The Brazilian may lack clinical finishing, but he contributes enormously in the attacking third.
