The club from “Fratton Park” finished only sixteenth in the last Championship season. Now, at best, they can only hope to repeat that result as they are fighting for survival. However, in December, the situation improved with an unbeaten run. But after defeating Charlton, they then suffered a heavy loss to Bristol City.
The capital’s giants have finished second in the Premier League three times in a row. This season, they have managed to lead the table, although by the end of 2025, their advantage over City had noticeably narrowed. They then increased it again with wins, including against Aston Villa. However, they slipped in Liverpool. In the Champions League, however, their record is perfect: they beat all six opponents, including Bayern Munich.
The current hosts did not last long in the League Cup – in August, they lost 1-2 at home to their very first opponent, Reading. Arsenal, on the other hand, are already in the semi-finals of that competition. Though after 2-0 wins over Port Vale and Brighton, their match with Crystal Palace went to a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Portsmouth went unbeaten four times in a row before the last round
On average, Portsmouth scores 0.88 goals and concedes 1.46 goals per match
50% of Portsmouth’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.33 goals per match
Arsenal, including their penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace, won seven matches in a row before the last round
On average, Arsenal scores 1.9 goals and concedes 0.67 goals per match
48% of Arsenal’s matches end with goals from both teams and an average total of 2.57 goals per match.
Portsmouth (probable lineup): Schmid – Swanson, Poole, Matthews, Devlin – Dozzell, Pack, Blair, Chaplin, Segecic – Kirk
Arsenal (probable lineup): Arrizabalaga – Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori, Saliba, Timber – Eze, Nørgaard, Merino – Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Madueke.
