Date of Tips: 06/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (14:30 06/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Portsmouth FC
v Arsenal FC 
Fratton Park
FA Cup ROUND_3 
11-01-2026 14:00
Portsmouth Form
Arsenal Form
Portsmouth vs Arsenal prediction time, for an FA Cup afternoon at Fratton Park on Sunday 11th January, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm. You’ve got a Championship side hosting one of the biggest clubs in the country. This seems obvious on paper, but we all know how cup matches can go, and the atmosphere will be electric. So the question is, can Portsmouth drag Arsenal into a scrap they don’t want? Let’s take a look.
Let’s start with Portsmouth. John Mousinho is still a young manager by modern standards, but he’s already had to grow up fast in the Championship. Pompey haven’t had it easy, sitting just above trouble, but there’s been a bit of fight in them lately. Mousinho will lean heavily on experience mixed with energy here.
Adrian Segecic is key. He’s one of Portsmouth’s main attacking outlets and often the man trusted in big moments. He’s strong, direct, and usually the one you’d expect to take penalties if Pompey get that chance. Terry Devlin brings legs and heart in midfield. Fans love him because he never hides, and he’s often the one delivering from set-pieces or hitting a free-kick when they need momentum. Min-Hyeok Yang adds something different. Younger, quick, plays wide, and not afraid to run at defenders.
In terms of absentees, Mark Kosznovszky and Connor Ogilvie are still working their way back from knee issues, so they’re expected to miss out. That limits depth, especially defensively.
Now Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has built something serious here. He’s still relatively young for an elite manager, but he’s already well established at the top level.
There are a couple of injury concerns. Max Dowman is sidelined with an ankle ligament problem and won’t be back until later in the season. Cristhian Mosquera is closer, and there’s a chance he features in the squad. Arsenal’s depth means Arteta can shuffle without losing control.
When it comes to responsibility, players like Eberechi Eze and Martin Ødegaard-style profiles usually dictate free-kicks, while Viktor Gyokeres is the type you trust from the spot if he’s on the pitch.
Portsmouth look set to line up in a 4-2-3-1. It makes sense. Compact shape, bodies behind the ball, and quick breaks when possible.
Portsmouth: Schmid; Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson; Pack, Dozzell; Yang, Chaplin, Kirk; Segecic.
Arsenal should go with a familiar 4-3-3, even if a few regulars get a breather. Control the ball, stretch the pitch, and squeeze Portsmouth back.
Arsenal: Kepa; White, Timber, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
This matchup is all about rhythm. Portsmouth will want to slow it down, make it physical, and turn it into a series of moments rather than a flowing game. Arsenal, on the other hand, will want quick circulation and early dominance.
You’re looking at a game where Arsenal should control possession and territory. That usually leads to pressure, shots, and set-pieces. Portsmouth may struggle to keep Arsenal out for long spells, especially if rotation players are trying to impress.
This feels like a professional Arsenal performance. Portsmouth will have moments, especially early, but sustaining that intensity for 90 minutes is the real challenge. Arsenal’s depth and calm should see them through.
Match Prediction: Arsenal to win. Bet with bet365.
A clean, controlled away win makes sense. Portsmouth might threaten from set-pieces here and there, but Arsenal’s structure usually holds firm, which is why they currently have the lowest goals conceded in the Premier League so far this season. If you’re into predicting scorelines, don’t miss today’s correct score tips.
Correct Score Prediction: Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal. Bet with bet365.
Goals could come once the first one lands. If Arsenal score before half-time, the second half opens up. And honestly, this is the most likely scenario, so the over market is where we see the best betting angles.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Think Arsenal win, and Portsmouth limited to spells rather than sustained pressure. Adding a player to score for Arsenal is recommended to boost the odds.
Bet Builder Tip: Arsenal to win, over 2.5 goals, and Gyokeres to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Arsenal are expected to have too much quality, but Portsmouth will make it competitive early on.
Kick-off is at 16:00 UK time.
The match takes place at Fratton Park Stadium.
It’s a 3rd Round FA Cup tie.
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