The FA Cup has always been a theater for drama, and today’s third-round clash at Fratton Park between Portsmouth and Arsenal is no exception. As the Premier League leaders travel south to face a Championship side fighting for survival, the classic "David versus Goliath" narrative is alive and well. With a 2pm kick-off on January 11, 2026, all eyes turn to Portsmouth, where the underdogs hope to summon the spirit of their famous 2008 cup run.
Arsenal, currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League, are enjoying a remarkable season under Mikel Arteta. Their quest for silverware has them competing on four fronts, and the FA Cup—where they already boast a record 14 triumphs—remains a cherished prize. For Arteta, this fixture is the first of back-to-back cup games, with a Carabao Cup showdown against Chelsea looming in just a few days.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, are enduring a tough campaign. Sitting 21st in the Championship, just one point above the relegation zone and with games in hand, manager John Mousinho’s side is desperate for a spark. They come into this tie with only one win in their last four matches—a dramatic 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic secured by a 98th-minute goal. Their last scheduled fixture, against Ipswich Town, was postponed due to a frozen pitch, granting them an 11-day break before this high-profile encounter.
Despite their struggles, Portsmouth are no strangers to giant-killings. The club’s storied 2008 FA Cup triumph, which included a famous win at Old Trafford, still resonates with supporters. However, the odds are stacked against them today. Arsenal haven’t lost to Portsmouth in their last 22 meetings, a streak stretching back to 1958. In fact, the Gunners have progressed from all four of their previous FA Cup ties against Pompey, maintaining a 100% record in these matchups.
The confirmed line-ups reflect both clubs’ current realities. Portsmouth’s XI features Bursik in goal, a backline of Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, and Swanson, with Dozzell and Le Roux anchoring midfield. Attacking duties fall to Segecic, Chaplin, Blair, and top scorer Bishop. Injuries plague the squad: Mark Kosznovszky is out long-term with an ACL injury, centre-backs Hayden Matthews and Josh Knight are sidelined, and forwards Callum Lang and Josh Murphy remain unavailable. Captain Marlon Pack and striker Colby Bishop are both nursing issues, leaving Mousinho with tough decisions.
Arsenal’s starting eleven sees Kepa between the sticks, with White, Norgaard, Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly forming the defense. Merino, Nwaneri, and Eze patrol midfield, while the attack is led by Madueke, Jesus, and Martinelli. Piero Hincapie is a doubt after limping off against Liverpool in a recent 0-0 draw, while Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are still working their way back from injury. Max Dowman’s hamstring issue and Kai Havertz’s ongoing recovery from a knee injury further complicate Arteta’s selection.
Portsmouth’s tactical approach under Mousinho typically revolves around a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on releasing wingers and playing through the thirds. They’re not afraid to go direct—no Championship side averages more long passes per game. However, scoring has been a persistent issue, with just 21 league goals, the second-lowest tally in the division. Adrian Segecic, the central attacking midfielder, leads the team with four goals. Defensive frailties are another concern: Pompey have conceded 14 set-piece goals and 35 overall, including eight headers.
Despite these challenges, Portsmouth have shown resilience at Fratton Park, beating three of the Championship’s top five teams at home this season and never conceding more than twice in a single home fixture. The home crowd’s fervor could play a pivotal role in unsettling Arsenal’s rhythm, especially as Pompey are known for their tenacious pressing and organized shape.
Arsenal, for their part, are likely to rotate their squad following a demanding league schedule. Arteta remains focused on the bigger picture, stating, "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." (Arsenal.com)
On the other side, Mousinho is relishing the underdog role: "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." (Arsenal.com)
The match is being broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with streaming available via discovery+. Coverage begins at 1:30pm, half an hour before kick-off. For those tuning in via radio, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Solent are providing live commentary. Arsenal.com is also offering live commentary through their website and official app.
The fixture comes right in the thick of the January transfer window, a period that could see both clubs seek reinforcements. Portsmouth’s injury woes might force their hand in the market, while Arsenal’s squad appears stable but could still benefit from added depth. Arteta recently told Sky Sports, "It's like shaping a pencil. It's something you have to tweak constantly," regarding integrating new signings into his system—a process he may continue to refine against Portsmouth.
Referee Tony Harrington is in charge, officiating his second Arsenal match after overseeing victories against Southampton and Brentford earlier this season. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout. Notably, VAR will not be in operation at this stage of the competition.
As the action unfolds at Fratton Park, Arsenal’s ambition and Portsmouth’s fighting spirit promise a compelling contest. The Gunners will be eager to avoid a third consecutive third-round exit, while Pompey dream of another famous FA Cup upset. With history, form, and pride at stake, this classic cup tie has all the ingredients for an unforgettable afternoon on the south coast.
