Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, 11 January

Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips. This Sunday, 11 January, the FA Cup presents an intriguing match-up between Portsmouth and Arsenal at Fratton Park. As both teams prepare for this clash, the stakes are high in this knockout competition, with Arsenal aiming to assert their dominance against a spirited Portsmouth side.

Fratton Park will set the stage for this encounter, where Portsmouth will look to exploit their home advantage against Premier League giants Arsenal. The FA Cup is renowned for its surprises, and Portsmouth will be eager to cause an upset. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be focused on advancing further in the tournament, seeking to add another chapter to their illustrious history in this prestigious competition.

Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Portsmouth +2.50 (Asian Handicap)	1.53

Given the recent performances of both teams, our recommended betting tip is to back Arsenal to win with a -1.5 handicap. Portsmouth have shown they can be competitive, but Arsenal’s stronger form and high-scoring matches suggest they should comfortably cover this spread.

• Arsenal have won their last three games, scoring an average of three goals per match, highlighting their strong attacking form.
• Portsmouth, despite some resilience, recently suffered a heavy 5-0 loss, indicating vulnerability against higher-quality opposition.
• Portsmouth’s mixed results and lower scoring suggest they may struggle to keep up with Arsenal’s pace and offensive strength.

Betting Odds

In this FA Cup clash, Arsenal are clear favourites with odds of 1.21, reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Portsmouth, playing at Fratton Park, are considered outsiders at 11.78, but the magic of the cup always leaves room for surprises.

Betting Tip	Odds
Portsmouth to win	11.78
Draw	6.3
Arsenal to win	1.21

The draw is priced at 6.3, which may appeal to those expecting a determined performance from the home side. For punters, exploring the handicap markets or considering Arsenal to win with a clean sheet could offer additional value.

Portsmouth Analysis & Past Performance

Portsmouth’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five matches. Their most notable victory came against Charlton, where they secured a 2-1 win at home. However, their latest outing against Bristol City ended in a disappointing 5-0 defeat, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bristol City	Portsmouth	5 – 0 (Loss)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Portsmouth	Charlton	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Portsmouth	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Derby	Portsmouth	1 – 1 (Draw)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Portsmouth	Blackburn	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
On average, Portsmouth have scored 1.20 goals per game while conceding 1.80 in their last five encounters. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet during this period, which could be a concern against stronger attacking sides. Nevertheless, they have shown resilience, scoring in four of their last five matches, indicating some attacking potential.

Portsmouth’s home form has been more encouraging, with three wins from their last five home games and a 60% win ratio at Fratton Park. This home advantage could be crucial in their upcoming fixture. However, the lack of clean sheets remains a recurring issue, as they have conceded in each of their recent outings.

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Portsmouth Suspensions & Injuries

Portsmouth face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Thomas Waddingham and Josh Knight, both expected to return by mid-January 2026, are unavailable due to hip and back injuries respectively. These absences in crucial defensive positions could force Portsmouth to adapt their formation and rely more heavily on Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy to shore up the backline.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Thomas Waddingham	Hip injury	Mid-January 2026
Connor Ogilvie	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Josh Knight	Back injury	Mid-January 2026
Florian Bianchini	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Joshua Murphy	Hamstring injury	Mid-January 2026
Márk Kosznovszky	Knee injury	Mid-February 2026
Callum Lang	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Marlon Pack	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Colby Bishop	Ankle injury	Early February 2026

The midfield will also be affected, with Marlon Pack and Callum Lang both out with hamstring injuries, expected back by late January. This could lead to increased responsibilities for players such as Luke Le Roux and Andre Dozzell, who will need to step up to fill the void left by these experienced midfielders.

Up front, the injury to Colby Bishop, expected to return in early February, leaves a gap in the attacking options. This could mean more game time for Adrian Segecic and Makenzie Kirk, who need to raise their game to compensate for Bishop’s absence. The tactical impact of these injuries may see Portsmouth adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on solidifying their defence against a formidable Arsenal side.

With these absences, Portsmouth’s squad depth will be tested, potentially affecting their performance and influencing betting markets, as the odds may shift further in favour of Arsenal given Portsmouth’s depleted squad.

Portsmouth Key Players

Portsmouth’s line-up is set to feature several key players who are expected to influence the outcome of their FA Cup clash against Arsenal. In the absence of specific data about the current top scorer, the focus shifts to the team’s tactical cohesion and performance. The defensive line, although not individually named, will play a crucial role in maintaining a solid formation against Arsenal’s attacking threat.

In midfield, Portsmouth will rely heavily on their playmakers to control the tempo and create opportunities. Their ability to link up with the forwards will be vital in breaking down Arsenal’s defence. The forwards, though unspecified, are expected to capitalise on any defensive lapses from Arsenal and could be instrumental in turning the game in Portsmouth’s favour.

Tactically, Portsmouth will aim to make the most of their home advantage at Fratton Park, focusing on a disciplined defensive setup while exploiting counter-attacking opportunities. The collective strength and resilience of these key players will be pivotal in dictating Portsmouth’s approach and potential success in this high-stakes encounter.

Portsmouth Tactics and Formation

Portsmouth Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected to use a 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Adrian Segecic
• Midfield Pivot: Terry Devlin and Luke Le Roux
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Focus on width and overlapping full-backs.

Portsmouth’s likely 4-3-3 formation seeks to exploit attacking width, with Adrian Segecic leading the line. The midfield trio, including Terry Devlin and Luke Le Roux, will be crucial in maintaining possession and transitioning play from defence to attack.

Defensively, the absence of clean sheets in recent matches highlights potential vulnerabilities. The backline, anchored by Regan Poole and Conor Shaughnessy, will need to be especially vigilant to counter Arsenal’s attacking threats. Ibane Bowat’s role as a full-back will be important for both defending and supporting the attack with overlapping runs.

Offensively, Portsmouth aim to utilise their full-backs to provide width, creating space for their forwards. This strategy relies on quick transitions and effective use of wide areas to stretch the opposition defence, a tactic that has seen mixed success in previous fixtures.

Arsenal Analysis & Past Performance

Arsenal’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten run in their last five matches, recording four wins and one draw. These results include a hard-fought 3-2 away victory over Bournemouth and a commanding 4-1 win against Aston Villa at home. Their attacking prowess is clear, averaging 3.60 goals per match over this period, demonstrating a potent offensive unit.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Arsenal	Liverpool	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	8 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Aston Villa	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Brighton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Crystal Palace	N/A	EFL Cup	23 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Defensively, Arsenal have shown some vulnerabilities, conceding an average of 2.40 goals per game in their last five matches. Despite this, they have managed to keep one clean sheet, indicating occasional defensive solidity. Away from home, Arsenal have been particularly strong, with a 60% win ratio in their last five away fixtures, highlighting their ability to perform on the road.

Arsenal’s overall team dynamics reflect a good balance between attack and defence. However, their high goals conceded ratio suggests a need for improved defensive coordination. With an 80% win ratio in their last five matches and a 70% win ratio in away games over their last ten, Arsenal remain a formidable force both at home and away.

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Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries

Arsenal face several injury concerns ahead of their FA Cup clash with Portsmouth, which could necessitate tactical changes. Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman are sidelined with ankle injuries, expected to return in mid-January and early February respectively. Their absence could weaken Arsenal’s defensive options, especially with Riccardo Calafiori also doubtful due to a muscle injury.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cristhian Mosquera	Ankle injury	Mid January 2026
Max Dowman	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Riccardo Calafiori	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Kai Havertz	Lack of match fitness	Doubtful
Piero Hincapié	Muscle injury	Doubtful

The possible unavailability of Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapié, both listed as doubtful, further complicates Mikel Arteta’s selection decisions. Havertz’s lack of match fitness may impact Arsenal’s attacking transitions, while Hincapié’s muscle injury could force a defensive reshuffle. These potential gaps might see younger or less experienced players stepping up, which could affect Arsenal’s defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.

Given the injury list, Arsenal may need to rely on their squad depth, possibly adjusting their usual formation to accommodate available players. This situation could influence betting markets, with Arsenal’s weakened line-up potentially affecting their odds as favourites, especially against a full-strength Portsmouth side eager to exploit any vulnerabilities.

Arsenal Key Players

Without specific data on Arsenal’s top scorer for this match, the focus turns to the key players expected to influence the game. In attack, Arsenal’s forward line is likely to be led by their dynamic front players, renowned for their pace and clinical finishing. The midfield will be crucial in dictating the tempo and providing support to both defence and attack. Arsenal’s midfielders are adept at controlling possession, ensuring a steady flow between the lines.

Defensively, Arsenal’s backline will be responsible for maintaining solidity against Portsmouth’s attacks. The defenders are expected to be alert, utilising their tactical awareness and physicality to thwart any threats. The goalkeeper’s role will also be vital, offering leadership and assurance to the defensive unit.

Arsenal’s tactical approach will likely focus on maintaining a high press and quick transitions. The strengths of their key players, including their ability to exploit spaces and maintain defensive discipline, will be essential in securing a positive result. This balanced approach, combining attacking flair with defensive resilience, will be central to their strategy in this FA Cup tie.

Arsenal Tactics and Formation

Arsenal Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Viktor Gyökeres
• Midfield Control: Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice
• Defensive Setup: Solid backline with William Saliba and Gabriel
• Recent Performance: Recorded a clean sheet against Liverpool.

Arsenal’s current 4-3-3 formation under Mikel Arteta is designed to maximise their attacking options while maintaining defensive stability. The midfield trio of Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice offers a blend of creativity, control, and defensive cover, allowing for fluid transitions from defence to attack.

Offensively, Arsenal rely on the pace and skill of Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard on the flanks, with Viktor Gyökeres leading the line. This setup allows Arsenal to stretch opposing defences and create scoring opportunities. The recent 0-0 draw against Liverpool highlighted their defensive discipline, achieving a clean sheet against top opposition.

Defensively, the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel in central defence provides a strong backbone, complemented by full-backs Piero Hincapié and Jurriën Timber, who offer width and support in both defensive and attacking phases. Despite injuries, Arsenal’s tactical adjustments have ensured resilience and consistency in their performances.

Portsmouth vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record

Portsmouth and Arsenal have met 16 times, with Arsenal dominating the head-to-head record with 10 wins, while Portsmouth are yet to claim a victory. The remaining 6 matches have ended in draws. Their last encounter was in the FA Cup in March 2020, where Arsenal won 2-0 at Fratton Park.

Notably, Portsmouth have struggled to score against Arsenal, netting only 9 goals compared to Arsenal’s 35. The last time Portsmouth hosted Arsenal in the FA Cup, they were unable to break the trend, losing 2-0. Arsenal’s strong form in cup competitions makes them favourites once again.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Portsmouth	Arsenal	0 – 2	FA Cup	2020-03-02
Portsmouth	Arsenal	1 – 4	Premier League	2009-12-30
Arsenal	Portsmouth	4 – 1	Premier League	2009-08-22
Portsmouth	Arsenal	0 – 3	Premier League	2009-05-02
Arsenal	Portsmouth	1 – 0	Premier League	2008-12-28