Football
Portsmouth vs Arsenal Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 11, 2026 Venue: Fratton Park Kickoff Time: 16:00 The FA Cup has always delivered magical moments and been a stage where tradition meets drama. Football enthusiasts can check out the best football betting sites ahead of kickoff for an opportunity to cash in on yet another classic cup tie. Arsenal are the kings of this cup, having won it a record 14 times, making the Gunners a serious opponent to face, especially given their current form. On the other hand, Portsmouth has a rich history of its own in this competition, with two FA Cup titles to their name, but has failed to progress past this round for the last five seasons. Above all, it is the occasion that elevates this fixture, where both teams will harness the anticipation in the air and the noise in the stands to deliver a performance worthy of securing a spot in the next round.
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The Arsenal team form a huddle prior to the Premier League match
There is an extra edge to this FA Cup fixture as Championship side Portsmouth welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Fratton Park on 11 January 2026. This is a repeat of their 2020 encounter, which will offer Pompey a chance at redemption after the Gunners eliminated them from this competition in the last 16 at the same venue.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME (PORTSMOUTH): 11/1 (12.0) – 8.3%
DRAW: 28/5 (6.60) – 15.2%
AWAY (ARSENAL): 11/50 (1.22) – 82%
Odds courtesy of William Hill, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (All Competitions)
02/03/2020: Portsmouth 0-2 Arsenal
30/12/2009: Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal
22/08/2009: Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth
02/05/2009: Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal
28/12/2008: Arsenal 1-0 Portsmouth
Arsenal Current Form – WWWDW
Arsenal is leading the Premier League and continues to confirm their title charge this season with performances that are worthy of winning any trophy. The Gunners have evolved into a finely tuned, ruthless machine that steps into every challenge with belief, swagger, and a clear sense of destiny.
Coming into this fixture, Arsenal have set the standard and displayed consistency at the highest level. They went through 2025 recording 14 victories, three draws, and just two defeats from 19 games, while ending the year in scintillating form with four consecutive wins. Mikel Arteta and his men would enter the new year with ultimate confidence on their side as they navigate their way through a busy period.
Bournemouth was the first test, which saw the London club pushed to the final whistle, followed by a season-defining fixture against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. After a grueling matchup against the Reds, squad rotation will play a big role in this FA Cup tie against Portsmouth before turning their attention to another London derby with Chelsea three days later.
Key Players To Watch
- Noni Madueke: Madueke is the type of attacker who never allows a defender to breathe. His pace and skill place him among the best in one-on-one situations, where he can either create scoring chances, cut in on his strong foot to score goals with powerful curling shots, or with composed finishes.
- Viktor Gyokeres: Gyokeres is a proven goal scorer who loves to play on the shoulder of defenders. He combines strength with clinical goal-scoring ability, which makes him a tough forward to contain. The Swedish international will be determined to get his name on the scoresheet in this fixture.
- Eberechi Eze: Eze provides the spark and creativity needed to break down low-block defences. With his quick feet, vision, and ability to glide past opponents, he thrives when given the freedom to operate between midfield and attack, allowing him to contribute in both assisting and scoring.
Arsenal Team News
Max Dowman (ankle) finds himself in the recovery room due to an ankle ligament injury and is aiming to get back on the pitch in February. Cristhian Mosquera (ankle) has been out for the last three weeks and could find himself among the matchday squad sooner rather than later.
Portsmouth Current Form – LWDDW
Portsmouth find themselves in a rather challenging position and are desperate to turn things around as they hover just above the relegation zone. It has been a season where they have struggled on both ends of the field, which has seen them with an attack that lacks a serious punch and a defence that concedes goals for fun, putting immense pressure on the shoulders of coach John Mousinho and his job.
That said, Pompey grew in confidence during the festive period, having put together an unbeaten streak of four games with two victories and two draws going into the new year. However, their impressive run that showed confidence and swagger was ended with a heavy defeat to Bristol City.
With a full week of preparation and the opportunity to regroup after a difficult start to the new year, Mousinho will need his chargers to play with pride and the belief that this FA Cup tie can deliver magic against the best team in the Premier League, especially with home ground advantage on their side.
Key Players To Watch
- Adrian Segecic: Segecic holds the biggest share of goals for Portsmouth, making him extremely important in attack. Despite his size, he shows great strength to hold up play and is known to have a powerful shot, which will come in handy against one of the best defences in Europe.
- Terry Devlin: Devlin’s work rate, passion, and ability to bring energy have made him a fan favourite. He’s not afraid to drive forward, make bursting runs, and deliver progressive passes to transition defence to attack. Additionally, he is capable of scoring goals, including set-pieces.
- Min-Hyeok Yang: Min-Hyeok is a highly rated, exciting young talent with immense potential, who offers direct attacking threat, speed, and creativity. His versatility allows him to effectively influence the game from both the left and right wings, which will give Pompey a spark in the final third.
Portsmouth Team News
Mark Kosznovszky (knee) and Connor Ogilvie (knee) are both expected to return next month after recovering from knee injuries.
Predicted Line-Up
Portsmouth: 4-2-3-1
Schmid, Devlin, Shaughnessy, Poole, Swanson, Segecic, Pack, Dozzell, Yang, Chaplin, KirkArsenal: 4-3-3
Kepa, White, Timber, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Merino, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Suggested Bets
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Total (Over 3.5): Arsenal are clinical in attack, and with Portsmouth’s defensive woes, expect the Gunners to be relentless. 5/4 (2.25) with Betway.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Noni Madueke): Madueke is unstoppable at times and is a significant goal threat for the Gunners. 17/10 (2.70) with William Hill.
First Goal To Be Scored (1-15): Arsenal will start fast and look to gain the early advantage, despite being away from home. 37/25 (2.48) with Hollywoodbets.
Value Bets
Unlock sharp insights and expert tips that spotlight high-potential opportunities.
Half Time/ Full Time & Total (3.5): The Gunners are the favourites to win this fixture, and with the large contrast in squad quality, expect the Londoners to overwhelm their opponents. 2/1 (3.00) with Unibet.
Arsenal To Win Both Halves (Yes): With the possession-based, aggressive style of play, Arsenal will dominate and dictate the way this fixture plays out. 71/50 (2.42) with Betway
Portsmouth Highest Scoring Half (First Half): Portsmouth has nothing to lose and could surprise Arsenal with a goal from open play or from a set-piece. 39/10 (4.90) with Midnite.
Prediction: Arsenal To Win
Arsenal enter this tie as clear favourites and, on paper, the superior outfit between the two sides. The Gunners will approach this fixture with the same level of respect and professionalism as they do every other match to secure a safe passage into the next round, despite playing away from home.
A dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting world, Marc Strydom has mostly worked as an Editor-in-chief of a sports betting newspaper in South Africa. Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, though he is most passionate about football and the NBA. He has covered a wide range of topics on multiple respected platforms.