Portsmouth v Arsenal: Kenny Jackett ‘excited’ as Mikel Arteta forced to shuffle defence
Portsmouth are assessing injuries to captain Tom Naylor and winger Ronan Curtis going into what manager Kenny Jackett described as a “mouth-watering” tie against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Portsmouth have lost just once at home so far this season in all competitions.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last ten on the road – although they have drawn seven.
Pompey haven’t beaten the Gunners’ first-team in a competitive match since 1958.
Previous Result
- 02 May 2009 – Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal – Premier League
- 22 Aug 2009 – Arsenal 4-1 Portsmouth – Premier League
- 30 Dec 2009 – Portsmouth 1-4 Arsenal – Premier League.
Portsmouth have not beaten Arsenal in any competition since winning a league match 5-4 in March 1958, drawing eight and losing 13 since then.
Arsenal have progressed from all three of their previous FA Cup ties against Portsmouth, the most recent being the quarter-final in 2003-04 (5-1 at Fratton Park).
Portsmouth have not made the quarter-final of the FA Cup since 2009-10, when they ended up reaching the final.
Arsenal have progressed from their last 12 FA Cup ties against sides from the third tier or lower, since a 2-1 defeat to Fourth Division Wrexham in January 1992.
Arsenal should have enough to get past Pompey given the gap in quality between the sides. However, such is the ‘magic of the cup’ anything can happen, which will be of concern to Arteta.
