The FA Cup: Can Arsenal Conquer Portsmouth and Reignite Trophy Dreams?
Our hunt for a record-extending 15th FA Cup trophy kicks off this Sunday at 2pm UK time against Portsmouth at their Fratton Park stadium. It's a crucial match as we aim to contend for silverware on all four fronts this season, but can the Gunners overcome the odds?
This game marks the start of a challenging run of four consecutive away matches, each in a different competition. We haven't visited Portsmouth's home ground in six years. The last time we did, we emerged victorious, progressing to the FA Cup quarter-finals and eventually lifting the trophy during Mikel Arteta's early tenure.
Arteta is undoubtedly hoping history repeats itself, and the signs seem promising. We haven't lost to Portsmouth in our last 22 encounters – an incredible streak stretching back 67 years to 1958! That's a lot of history on our side, but in football, anything can happen.
A Welcome Distraction?
Now in their second season back in the Championship, Portsmouth are battling to maintain their position. Last season, they finished 16th, just five points above the relegation zone. This season, the situation is more precarious; they currently sit 21st, only one point above the drop zone, though they do have games in hand. This makes them a desperate team, hungry for a win, and the FA Cup could be their chance to ignite their season.
John Mousinho, appointed manager just over three years ago, led the team to the League One title in his first full season – a testament to his leadership. After a promising start to the current campaign, with only one defeat in their opening five Championship games, the south-coast club has steadily slipped down the table. But here's where it gets controversial... Some fans argue that their league form will make them more dangerous, as they have nothing to lose in this FA Cup tie. Others think their low morale will make them easy prey for the Gunners. What do you think?
They enter this cup tie with one win in their last four matches, a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic secured with a 98th-minute winner. Their 2026 began with a humbling 5-0 defeat at Bristol City, and last weekend's game against Ipswich Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch, leaving them without a fixture for 11 days. Will this rest benefit them, or will they be rusty?
What the Managers Say
Arteta: "We want [more trophies] for sure, that's what we are chasing. That's the purpose of this team. At the end, I think we have to get judged, and we get judged for what we do today. Last week is not important and we will get judged for what we are able to do at the end of the season. One thing is the trophies for our football club and the many other things that you have to do in a football club, especially in the situation we are in."
Arteta's message is clear: Trophies are the ultimate measure of success. But is it that simple? Is building a sustainable, competitive team just as important as immediate silverware? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Mousinho: "The fact that we have a free week building up to the game and a free week after it means we're not worried about fixture congestion. The fact that we've drawn Arsenal at home means it's a massive opportunity for us to go and enjoy the day and put on a decent enough performance and enjoy the FA Cup. There are some very good sides in the Championship, but it just so happens that this weekend we're playing one of the best sides in the world. It's an exciting proposition, a bit of a daunting one as well, but we just have to prepare as we normally would."
Mousinho's approach seems to be one of optimism and embracing the challenge. He acknowledges Arsenal's quality but highlights the opportunity for his team to shine. It's a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, and Pompey will be looking to cause an upset.
Team News
Piero Hincapie is a doubt after coming off injured in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Thursday. Before that match, Arteta suggested that Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are still some time away from returning from their injuries. Max Dowman is also sidelined with a hamstring issue. Kai Havertz could be an option as he continues to recover from the knee injury he sustained on the opening day.
Portsmouth's treatment room is currently overflowing. Midfielder Mark Kosznovszky has been ruled out long-term with a serious ACL injury, a devastating blow for the player and the team. Center-backs Hayden Matthews (ankle) and Josh Knight (back) have missed recent matches and will remain unavailable. Forwards Callum Lang and Josh Murphy are still a few weeks away from returning from their hamstring injuries. Mousinho will be hoping that captain Marlon Pack and striker Colby Bishop can recover from their respective issues to feature, especially after Minhyeok Yang was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week. Portsmouth's injury woes could significantly impact their chances of causing an upset.
Talking Tactics
Adrian Clarke notes that Mousinho typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing the release of his wingers down the flanks. However, he occasionally opts for a back five. The young head coach might prioritize defensive solidity, but his side is generally more comfortable in their preferred setup. And this is the part most people miss... Will Mousinho stick to his usual tactics, or will he adapt to try and nullify Arsenal's attacking threat?
In possession, Portsmouth adopts a balanced approach, progressing through the thirds and focusing on getting the ball to their wingers, who deliver numerous crosses into the box. However, Mousinho's men also utilize direct play at times, averaging more long passes (69 per 90 minutes) than any other Championship side.
Scoring goals has been a challenge for Portsmouth, with just 21 league goals – the second-lowest tally in the Championship. Their top scorer is central attacking midfielder Adrian Segecic, with a modest four goals. They have also struggled to defend crosses, conceding 14 set-piece goals – the second-most in the Championship – with eight of the 35 goals they have conceded being headers.
Backed by their passionate supporters at Fratton Park, Pompey will aim to disrupt Arsenal's rhythm with intense pressing and a well-organized defensive structure. Known for their fighting spirit on home turf, they have defeated three of the Championship's top five teams at home this season. They have also yet to concede more than twice in a home match, demonstrating their resilience. This suggests that while Arsenal are favorites, they will need to work hard to break down a stubborn Portsmouth side.
Facts and Stats
- Portsmouth are winless in their last 22 games against us in all competitions (D8 L14), dating back to a 5-4 win in March 1958. Only against Chelsea (31 between 1962 and 2012) have they ever had a longer winless run.
- We have progressed from all four of our FA Cup ties against Pompey, in 1931/32, 1970/71, 2003/04 and 2019/20. We’ve only faced Brighton and Leyton Orient in more ties with a 100% success rate (5/5).
- Portsmouth have lost their last three FA Cup third-round ties and their last five FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition since beating Tottenham Hotspur in the 2009/10 semi-final.
- We have been eliminated from the FA Cup third round in each of the last two seasons, albeit against top-flight opposition in Liverpool and Man Utd. We haven’t gone out at this stage in more consecutive campaigns since a run of four between 1938/39 and 1947/48.
Match Officials
Tony Harrington will officiate his second Gunners game. We won the previous two matches he oversaw, including last season's 3-1 victory over Southampton and last month's 2-0 win over Brentford. He has refereed 14 games in all competitions this season, averaging 3.1 yellow cards per game, and has issued two red cards and awarded two penalties.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will follow, and a penalty shootout will decide the winner if necessary. VAR will not be used at this stage of the competition.
- Referee: Tony Harrington
- Assistants: Steven Meredith & Sian Massey-Ellis
- Fourth official: Leigh Doughty
Previous Trips to Pompey
This will be our first visit to Fratton Park since 2020 – the season in which we last won the FA Cup. That encounter was at the fifth-round stage, and a youthful side progressed thanks to goals from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah.
The previous league encounter was in December 2009, a Premier League clash that saw us emerge as 4-1 victors with goals from Eduardo, Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey, and Alex Song. Seven months earlier, we also recorded a three-goal winning margin, with a double from Nicklas Bendtner and a Carlos Vela effort securing the points.
Live Coverage
Tune into Arsenal.com and the official app just before kick-off for live commentary of the game, with Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke providing expert analysis.
You can also find out which broadcaster is showing the action live (https://www.arsenal.com/news/how-watch-portsmouth-v-arsenal-live-tv) wherever you are in the world.
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So, will Arsenal continue their FA Cup dominance, or will Portsmouth pull off a shock victory? Share your predictions in the comments below!
