Portsmouth vs Arsenal: Prediction, H2H and probable line-ups — 11 January 2026
On Sunday, January 11, in the FA Cup 3rd round, Portsmouth will host London’s Arsenal at Fratton Park. Read on for an in-depth look at both teams and our match prediction.
See also: Manchester United vs Brighton prediction and betting tips 11 January 2026
Match preview
Portsmouth approach this cup clash with Arsenal amid a tough 2025/26 campaign. The team is fighting for survival in the Championship, having picked up just 25 points from 24 games and sitting 21st in the table. At home, Portsmouth traditionally play with courage, trying to challenge even more illustrious opponents. However, squad depth remains an issue: as the fixture schedule intensifies, the quality of their play, especially defensively in the second half, tends to drop off.
In the FA Cup, the hosts are likely to opt for a cautious approach. Portsmouth will try to stay compact, narrowing the spaces between the lines, focusing on set-pieces and quick breaks down the flanks. This strategy has already brought success against ball-dominant opponents, but any lapse in concentration near their own goal could prove fatal.
Arsenal are enjoying a strong 2025/26 season, consistently leading the Premier League. The Gunners combine assured possession with high pressing intensity, allowing them to regularly create chances. In recent matches, the Londoners have shown impressive attacking variety, utilizing both the wings and central channels. However, Arsenal’s defence can be vulnerable to quick counter-attacks, especially when their back line pushes high up during build-up play.
In this cup tie, the visitors will likely seize the initiative from the first whistle. Arsenal will aim to overwhelm Portsmouth with their tempo and possession, forcing the hosts to spend long spells defending. However, this style leaves space behind the defenders—something Portsmouth will look to exploit with rare but potentially dangerous counters.
Probable line-ups
Portsmouth: Schmid; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Dozzell, Swift; Yang, Segecic, Blair; Kirk
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Match facts and head-to-head
- The teams last met in 2020, when Arsenal won 2-0
- Portsmouth have won two of their last eight matches, losing four times
- Arsenal have won seven of their last eight games
Prediction
Arsenal face lower-league opposition and their class should see them deliver a high-scoring performance. My prediction: total over 2.5 goals at 1.5 odds
