Get ready for an exciting FA Cup clash! Our beloved Gunners are gearing up to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park this Sunday, marking the start of our journey to hopefully lift our 15th FA Cup! This match is the first of four consecutive away games across different competitions.
We're returning to the home of the Championship side for the first time in six years. Back then, we advanced to the quarter-finals, ultimately winning the trophy under Mikel Arteta. He's hoping history repeats itself, and the omens are good as we haven't lost to Portsmouth in our last 22 meetings, a streak stretching back an incredible 67 years to 1958.
A Welcome Distraction?
Portsmouth, currently in their second season back in the second tier, are fighting to maintain their status. Last season, they finished 16th, but this season finds them in 21st place, just above the relegation zone, though they have games in hand. Manager John Mousinho, who was given his first managerial role by the club just over three years ago, led them to the League One title in his first full season. However, after a promising start to this campaign, the south-coast club has slipped down the table.
They come into this cup tie with one win in their last four, which was a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic, secured by a 98th-minute winner. Their 2026 began with a tough 5-0 loss at Bristol City, and their match against Ipswich Town was postponed due to a frozen pitch, leaving them without a fixture for 11 days.
What the Managers Say
Arteta: "We want [more trophies] for sure, that's what we are chasing. That's the purpose of this team." He emphasizes the importance of being judged on current performance and the club's goals.
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... It's an exciting proposition, a bit of a daunting one as well, but we just have to prepare as we normally would."
Team News
Piero Hincapie is a doubt after coming off in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are still recovering from injuries. Max Dowman has a hamstring issue, while Kai Havertz could be an option.
Portsmouth has a packed treatment room, with Mark Kosznovszky out long-term with a serious ACL injury. Hayden Matthews and Josh Knight are also unavailable. Callum Lang and Josh Murphy are weeks away from returning. Mousinho hopes captain Marlon Pack and striker Colby Bishop will recover to feature, especially after Minhyeok Yang was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur.
Talking Tactics
Adrian Clarke: Mousinho favors a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on wing play, but occasionally uses a back five. Portsmouth's approach is balanced, aiming to play through the thirds and get the ball to their wingers, who cross frequently. They also go direct, averaging the most long passes in the Championship.
Scoring goals has been an issue for Portsmouth, with only 21 league goals scored, the second-lowest tally. Their top scorer, Adrian Segecic, has four goals. They've also struggled defending crosses, conceding 14 set-piece goals, the second most in the Championship.
Backed by their passionate fans, Portsmouth will try to disrupt our rhythm with aggressive pressing and a well-organized defense. They've beaten three of the Championship's top five at home this season and are tough to crack, having conceded no more than twice in any home match.
Facts and Stats
Portsmouth is winless in their last 22 games against us in all competitions (D8 L14), dating back to a 5-4 win in March 1958. We've progressed from all four of our FA Cup ties against Pompey.
Portsmouth has lost their last three FA Cup third-round ties and their last five FA Cup ties against Premier League opposition. We've been eliminated from the FA Cup third round in each of the last two seasons.
Match Officials
Tony Harrington will be the referee, having officiated just his second Gunners game. He averaged 3.1 yellow cards per game this season and has sent off two players and awarded two penalties. If the score is level after 90 minutes, extra time and a penalty shootout will follow if needed. VAR will not be in operation.
Previous Trips to Pompey
This will be our first trip to Fratton Park since 2020, the season we last won the FA Cup.
Live Coverage
Tune into Arsenal.com and the official app just before kick-off for live commentary.
What do you think? Will Arsenal continue their strong FA Cup form against Portsmouth? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
