Portsmouth vs Arsenal Prediction
The FA Cup fixture between Portsmouth FC and Arsenal FC is scheduled for Sunday, 11 January 2026, with kick-off at 5:00 PM GMT +3 at Fratton Park. This cup tie pits John Mousinho’s Portsmouth side against Mikel Arteta’s in-form Arsenal, offering an intriguing clash between a resolute home underdog and a top-tier opponent enjoying significant momentum. The most recent direct meeting concluded as a 2:0 away victory for Arsenal, and the head-to-head across the last five matches shows Portsmouth with 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 victories for Arsenal. Portsmouth arrive following a heavy defeat away, while Arsenal come into the tie unbeaten in their last five fixtures across all competitions.
Below are our considered betting predictions for this FA Cup encounter, grounded in current form, recent meetings and the respective tactical profiles under their managers.
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Main Betting prediction — Halftime/Fulltime, Arsenal/Arsenal
Prediction: Halftime/Fulltime, Arsenal/Arsenal. Arsenal are the clear favourites given their domestic and cup form under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have recorded five wins in their last five outings, demonstrating both attacking potency and defensive organisation. Conversely, Portsmouth’s recent results include a heavy away reverse that raises questions about their defensive resilience against superior attacking units. The head-to-head trend also favours Arsenal, who have won three of the last five encounters and claimed the most recent fixture 2:0 at Fratton Park. In knockout football the visiting elite side typically asserts control through possession, pressing and quicker transitional play; Arsenal’s squad depth and recent cohesion make them highly likely to progress. Best odds on the 1X2 market: Halftime/Fulltime, Arsenal/Arsenal at Paripesa — 1.61.
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2nd Betting Tip – Both teams score? No
Prediction: Both teams do not score (No). The expectation that Arsenal will keep a clean sheet is supported by multiple factors. Portsmouth’s defensive vulnerability was exposed in their most recent heavy defeat, while Arsenal have demonstrated the ability not only to score but to limit opposition chances through structured pressing and disciplined midfield control. In cup ties, the superior side frequently consolidates with tight defensive organisation after taking the lead; Arsenal’s defensive unit and squad balance give them a realistic chance of preventing Portsmouth from finding the net. Consequently, a “Both teams do not score” outcome is a plausible secondary betting angle that aligns with the main 1X2 pick of an Arsenal victory. Best odds on the Both Teams To Score market: No at 1Win — 1.71.
3rd Betting Tip – Over/Under: Over 3.5 goals
Prediction: Over 3.5 goals. At first glance this selection might appear counterintuitive alongside a Both Teams Do Not Score pick. However, the combination is coherent if one projects a high-scoring, one-sided affair in which Arsenal score multiple goals while keeping a clean sheet — for example, a 4-0 or 4-1 type scoreline would satisfy the Over 3.5 goals market and the main prediction of an Arsenal win. Arsenal’s recent matches have shown they are capable of scoring multiple goals, while Portsmouth’s defensive frailties were starkly evident in their last outing. The FA Cup setting can also produce open games where the underdog, seeking to press and respond, concedes space that a quality attacking side can exploit, leading to several goals. Best odds on Over 3.5 goals: 2.27 on Paripesa.
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Statistics for Portsmouth FC vs Arsenal FC
Portsmouth FC team news!
Portsmouth are managed by John Mousinho. In the five-match sample provided, the club has recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat. That sequence indicates a mixed but reasonably resilient spell of form, yet the most recent result — a heavy away loss — suggests defensive concerns that could be exploited by a top-tier opponent. Mousinho’s side will rely on the atmosphere at Fratton Park and the organisational discipline instilled by their coaching staff, but they must address lapses that resulted in the recent significant reverse if they are to withstand Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Arsenal FC team news!
Arsenal are led by Mikel Arteta and bring commanding recent form into the tie: five wins from five matches in all competitions. That run reflects both attacking efficiency and improving defensive solidity. Arteta’s side have shown adaptability in their approach, capable of controlling possession and scoring from varied channels. Arsenal’s confidence, tactical coherence and superior squad depth make them a formidable opponent in one-off cup matches, and they should be considered strong favourites to progress.
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H2H statistics
The head-to-head record across the last five meetings in all competitions stands at: Portsmouth 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 wins for Arsenal. The most recent direct meeting concluded 2:0 in favour of Arsenal at Fratton Park. This historical pattern underscores Arsenal’s recent dominance in the fixture and suggests a psychological edge as well as a tactical one.
Last results Portsmouth FC
Portsmouth’s last five matches produced two wins, two draws and one defeat. Their current form can be described as mixed, with signs of resilience in some fixtures but a concerning heavy defeat in the most recent outing that raises defensive questions and reduces the margin for error when facing top-level opposition.
Last results Arsenal FC
Arsenal’s last five matches produced five wins, no draws and no defeats. Their current form is excellent: consistent victories have reinforced confidence, cohesion and tactical clarity. This imperious stretch suggests Arsenal are operating at a level above most opponents they will face in domestic cup competition.
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Conclusion
On balance, Arsenal are the clear favourites for this FA Cup tie. Mikel Arteta’s side combine form, quality and experience; their five-in-five record and favourable head-to-head against Portsmouth make them the most probable victors. Portsmouth have the advantage of home support and can never be discounted in cup football, but their recent heavy defeat and the statistical trend against them mitigate their chances. Accordingly, the most convincing single selection is HT/FT, Arsenal/Arsenal, complemented by the more conservative expectation that both teams will not score and the more speculative projection that the match could produce more than 3.5 goals if Arsenal impose themselves decisively. Bettors should verify current team news and any late availability or injury updates prior to staking.
