The FA Cup campaign for Arsenal kicks off this Sunday at Fratton Park, home of Portsmouth FC, at 2 PM UK time. This match marks a return for Arsenal to Portsmouth after a six-year hiatus. The last encounter resulted in Arsenal advancing to the quarter-finals during Mikel Arteta’s early managerial days. Arsenal holds a dominant record, remaining unbeaten against Portsmouth in their last 22 meetings, a streak that extends back to 1958.
Portsmouth’s Current Form
Portsmouth is currently navigating the challenges of the Championship, sitting precariously in 21st place, just one point above the relegation zone. Last season, the club managed a 16th place finish but faces tougher competition this time. Manager John Mousinho, who took the reins over three years ago, led the team to a League One title in his first full season.
Recent Performance
- Last season’s finish: 16th in the Championship.
- Current standing: 21st, one point above the relegation zone.
- Last four games: One win, including a 2-1 victory against Charlton Athletic.
- Latest match: 5-0 loss to Bristol City.
- Next match: No fixture for 11 days due to a postponed game against Ipswich Town.
Managerial Insights
Mousinho expressed excitement about facing Arsenal at home, viewing it as a significant opportunity. He emphasized the importance of performance and enjoyment in the FA Cup. Arteta, on the other hand, is aiming for more trophies this season and knows his team will be judged on their performance in this competition.
Injury Updates
- Piero Hincapie: Doubtful after leaving the last game early.
- Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera: Still recovering from injuries.
- Max Dowman: Nursing a hamstring issue.
- Kai Havertz: Potentially available as he recovers from a knee injury.
- Portsmouth injuries: Mark Kosznovszky (ACL injury), Hayden Matthews (ankle), Josh Knight (back), Callum Lang and Josh Murphy (hamstring injuries).
Tactical Overview
Mousinho generally employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on utilizing wingers effectively. Portsmouth’s style includes a mix of possession-based play and direct long passes, leading the Championship in this metric with an average of 69 long passes per match. However, they have struggled to score, netting only 21 goals this season.
Defensive Challenges
Portsmouth has conceded 14 goals from set pieces, the second most in the Championship. They also face trouble defending against crosses, having allowed eight headed goals out of 35 total conceded.
Historical Context
Arsenal has not lost to Portsmouth in their last 22 games, with the last defeat coming in March 1958. They have won all four prior FA Cup matches against Portsmouth and aim to avoid another early exit this season.
Match Officials
The match will be officiated by Tony Harrington, who has previously officiated two games involving Arsenal, both resulting in victories for the Gunners. He averages 3.1 yellow cards per game this season and has also awarded two penalties.
Previous Encounters at Fratton Park
The last visit by Arsenal to Fratton Park was in the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2020. That match saw Arsenal secure a win with goals from Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah. Historically, Arsenal has performed well here, with their last league meeting resulting in a 4-1 victory in December 2009.
Live Coverage
Fans can catch the live action on El-Balad’s platforms, with commentary available just prior to kick-off. Tune in for updates and analysis throughout the game.
