Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction: Arsenal will defeat Portsmouth 3-0 at Fratton Park as the Premier League leaders possess superior squad depth and attacking quality that should overwhelm the Championship side despite expected team rotation for the FA Cup third round clash on Sunday.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | FA Cup Third Round |
| Date | Sunday, January 12, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 14:00 UK Time |
| Venue | Fratton Park, Portsmouth |
| Stadium Capacity | 21,100 |
| TV Coverage (UK) | TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, Discovery+ |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Key Facts
- Arsenal leads the Premier League table and enters this match after a 0-0 draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
- Portsmouth sits 21st in the Championship, just one point above the relegation zone after 24 league matches.
- The Gunners hold a record 14 FA Cup titles, making them the most successful team in the competition’s history.
- Portsmouth last defeated Arsenal in March 1958, a 5-4 victory in a top-flight home match.
- Arsenal has won all previous FA Cup encounters between these teams, including a 2-0 victory at Fratton Park in March 2020.
- Mikel Arteta plans to rotate his squad heavily for this fixture to manage player workload.
- Portsmouth has lost five consecutive FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition since their 2010 semi-final win over Tottenham.
- Arsenal has fallen in the FA Cup third round in the last two seasons, losing to Liverpool and Manchester United.
On This Page
Team Form Analysis
Arsenal arrives at Fratton Park riding a seven-match winning streak across all competitions before their goalless draw with Liverpool.
The Gunners have demonstrated exceptional defensive solidity, conceding just 14 goals in 21 Premier League matches.
Their attacking prowess remains sharp, with recent victories including a 4-1 triumph over Aston Villa and a 3-2 away win at Bournemouth.
Portsmouth faces a challenging period in their Championship campaign.
John Mousinho’s side suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at Bristol City on New Year’s Day, which ended a four-game unbeaten run.
The south coast club has struggled for consistency, winning just six league matches all season.
Their home form provides some optimism, with only one defeat in their last six matches at Fratton Park.
Injury Report and Squad News
Portsmouth Injuries
The hosts face a significant injury crisis heading into this fixture. Mark Kosznovszky will miss nine to twelve months after tearing his ACL and MCL.
Hayden Matthews sustained an ankle injury at Bristol City that sidelines him for at least two months.
Josh Murphy, Callum Lang, Josh Knight, Connor Ogilvie, Thomas Waddingham, and Florian Bianchini all remain unavailable.
Captain Marlon Pack and first-choice striker Colby Bishop could return to contention, providing a boost to Mousinho’s depleted squad.
Arsenal Injuries
Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera continue their recovery from respective injuries but will not feature on Sunday.
Young attacker Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle issue.
Piero Hincapie faces a fitness test after being substituted in the second half against Liverpool.
Kai Havertz has recovered from his knee injury and could receive minutes from the bench if he proves his match fitness.
Tactical Analysis and Expected Portsmouth vs Arsenal Lineups
Portsmouth Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
Mousinho will likely deploy a defensive-minded setup to contain Arsenal’s attacking threats.
The expected lineup features Nicolas Schmid in goal, with a back four of Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, and Swanson.
The midfield partnership of Dozzell and Pack will focus on breaking up play.
Segecic, Chaplin, and Blair should support lone striker Colby Bishop.
Arsenal Expected Formation: 4-3-3
Arteta plans wholesale changes to rest key players ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal behind a defense featuring Ben White, Salmon, Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly.
The midfield trio of Merino, Christian Norgaard, and Eberechi Eze offers creativity and control.
Gabriel Martinelli and Madeuke will flank Gabriel Jesus in attack.
Key Players to Watch
Colby Bishop (Portsmouth)
The striker’s potential return provides Portsmouth with their best attacking outlet. Bishop’s physical presence and finishing ability could trouble Arsenal’s rotated defense.
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
The Brazilian forward seeks to build momentum after limited starts in recent weeks. Jesus possesses the quality to exploit Portsmouth’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
The creative midfielder brings technical skill and vision to Arsenal’s attack. Eze’s ability to unlock defenses with through balls could prove decisive.
Marlon Pack (Portsmouth)
The experienced captain’s leadership and defensive work rate will be crucial in protecting Portsmouth’s backline.
Head-to-Head Record
Arsenal dominates this fixture historically. The teams last met in March 2020 when Arsenal secured a 2-0 away victory in the FA Cup fifth round.
Portsmouth has failed to win any of their last 22 competitive matches against Arsenal since that memorable 5-4 triumph in 1958.
Recent encounters show Arsenal’s superiority:
- March 2020: Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)
- December 2009: Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)
- August 2009: Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth (Premier League)
Portsmouth’s only positive result in recent history came in December 2007 when they held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Fratton Park.
Where to Watch Live?
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, Discovery+, BBC Radio 5 Live
United States: ESPN2, ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App
Canada: Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Plus
Australia: Stan Sport
Highlights will air on BBC One’s Match of the Day at 22:30 GMT on Sunday evening.
Current League Standings
Premier League (Arsenal)
- Position: 1st
- Matches Played: 21
- Record: 15 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses
- Goals Conceded: 14 (best defensive record)
Championship (Portsmouth)
- Position: 21st
- Matches Played: 24
- Record: 6 wins, 7 draws, 11 losses
- Points: 25 (one point above relegation zone)
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction
Arsenal’s squad depth should prove too strong for Portsmouth despite expected rotation.
The Championship side faces an uphill battle given their injury crisis and poor scoring record.
Portsmouth has netted just 22 goals in 24 Championship matches, making them the division’s second-lowest scorers.
Arsenal’s defensive organization remains exceptional even with changes to the starting eleven.
The Gunners have avoided defeat in all 16 competitive home matches this season, though this represents their first away fixture in a run of four consecutive road games.
Portsmouth will rely on home advantage and passionate support at Fratton Park.
However, the quality gap between Premier League leaders and a Championship relegation battler appears too significant to overcome.
Predicted Score: Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal
Arsenal seeks to end a two-year drought in the FA Cup third round after consecutive early exits.
The competition holds special significance for the Gunners, who last lifted the trophy in 2020.
Success in this fixture maintains momentum in their pursuit of multiple trophies this season.
Portsmouth views this match as an opportunity to create a memorable upset and provide relief from their relegation battle.
A positive result would boost confidence ahead of crucial Championship fixtures.
The financial windfall from a potential replay or progression also benefits the club’s resources.
The FA Cup’s magic lies in these David versus Goliath encounters, where lower-league teams challenge England’s elite.
Portsmouth’s proud FA Cup history includes two triumphs, most recently in 2008.
Fratton Park will generate an electric atmosphere as fans dream of another famous cup upset.
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FAQs
Where To Watch Portsmouth vs Arsenal Live?
UK viewers can watch Portsmouth vs Arsenal live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and Discovery+ while international audiences can stream the FA Cup third round match through ESPN2 in the USA, Stan Sport in Australia, and Sportsnet in Canada starting at 14:00 GMT on Sunday, January 12, 2026.
Who Will Win the Portsmouth vs Arsenal Match?
Arsenal will win the Portsmouth match because the Premier League leaders maintain the best defensive record in England’s top flight with only 14 goals conceded in 21 matches, possess superior attacking talent even with squad rotation, and have won all previous FA Cup encounters between these teams including a 2-0 victory at Fratton Park in March 2020.
What is Portsmouth vs Arsenal Match Kick-Off Time?
Portsmouth vs Arsenal kicks off at 14:00 UK time (2:00 PM GMT) on Sunday, January 12, 2026, at Fratton Park in the FA Cup third round, with the match scheduled as one of eight FA Cup fixtures taking place on the same day.
Are There Any Injuries in Portsmouth vs Arsenal Match?
Portsmouth faces a severe injury crisis with eight players unavailable including Mark Kosznovszky (ACL and MCL tear, out 9-12 months), Hayden Matthews (ankle, out 2 months), Josh Murphy, Callum Lang, Josh Knight, Connor Ogilvie, Thomas Waddingham, and Florian Bianchini, while Arsenal will miss Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, and Max Dowman (ankle), with Piero Hincapie doubtful after being substituted against Liverpool.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Portsmouth vs Arsenal Match?
The predicted score for Portsmouth vs Arsenal is 0-3 in favor of Arsenal because Portsmouth ranks as the Championship’s second-lowest scorers with just 22 goals in 24 matches, Arsenal boasts England’s best defensive record conceding only 14 goals in 21 Premier League games, and the Gunners have not lost to Portsmouth in 22 consecutive competitive matches since March 1958.
Arsenal Standing with Points?
Arsenal sits first in the Premier League table with 49 points from 21 matches after recording 15 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, maintaining the division’s best defensive record with only 14 goals conceded while leading the title race ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Portsmouth Standing With Points?
Portsmouth occupies 21st position in the Championship table with 25 points from 24 matches after winning 6 games, drawing 7, and losing 11, sitting just one point above the relegation zone following a heavy 5-0 defeat at Bristol City on New Year’s Day.