The magic of the FA Cup often lies in the clash of cultures—the Premier League giants visiting historic, atmospheric grounds where the crowd feels right on top of the pitch. This Sunday, January 11, 2026, we get exactly that as Arsenal travel to the south coast to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

For Arsenal, this Third Round tie represents the first hurdle in a competition they have historically dominated. For Portsmouth, currently battling in the lower divisions, it is a chance to recapture the glory days of their own 2008 triumph and cause one of the upsets that make this tournament legendary. The atmosphere at Fratton Park is expected to be electric, with the “Pompey Chimes” ringing out in full force to welcome Mikel Arteta’s men.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the fixture, from confirmed team news and tactical predictions to exactly where you can watch the drama unfold, no matter where you are in the world.

Match Overview: FA Cup Third Round

The FA Cup Third Round is traditionally one of the most exciting weekends in the English football calendar. It is the moment Premier League and Championship clubs enter the fray, often pitted against lower-league opposition dreaming of a giant-killing.

• Fixture: Portsmouth vs Arsenal
• Competition: FA Cup (Third Round)
• Venue: Fratton Park, Portsmouth
• Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026

For Portsmouth, hosting a team of Arsenal’s caliber is a significant financial boost and a massive occasion for the fans. Fratton Park, with its tight stands and vocal support, can be an intimidating place for visitors who aren’t up for the fight. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be looking to navigate this potential banana skin professionally. Mikel Arteta knows the value of domestic cups in building a winning culture, and despite likely rotation, he will demand a performance that secures passage to the Fourth Round without the need for a replay.

The stakes are straightforward: win and progress on the road to Wembley. For the hosts, a draw would secure a lucrative replay at the Emirates Stadium, but a win would write their names into folklore.

Kick-Off Time Confirmed

Timing is everything, especially for international fans trying to catch the game live. The match has been selected for Sunday broadcast, meaning a slightly earlier start than the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout slot.

Official Kick-Off: 2:00 PM GMT on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

International Time Conversions

If you are tuning in from abroad, here is when you need to set your alarm:

• United Kingdom (GMT): 2:00 PM
• Central European Time (CET): 3:00 PM
• Eastern Standard Time (EST – USA/Canada): 9:00 AM
• Pacific Standard Time (PST – USA/Canada): 6:00 AM
• Indian Standard Time (IST): 7:30 PM
• Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT): 1:00 AM (Monday, Jan 12)

Make sure to double-check your specific local time zone, as daylight saving changes can vary by region.

Confirmed & Predicted Lineups

The Third Round of the FA Cup is notoriously difficult for predicting lineups. Managers often use these games to rotate squads, rest key stars burnt out from the festive period, and give minutes to promising academy graduates. However, neither manager will want to disrespect the competition or the opponent.

Portsmouth Team News

Portsmouth will likely field their strongest possible XI. For lower-league sides, this is their cup final. The manager will want intensity, physicality, and set-piece prowess to unsettle the Premier League visitors.

Expect a setup that prioritizes defensive solidity but maintains a threat on the counter-attack. The atmosphere at Fratton Park will demand high energy, so industrious midfielders will be key to disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm.

Predicted Portsmouth XI (4-2-3-1):
Norris; Swanson, Poole, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Pack, Morrell; Lane, Kamara, Murphy; Bishop.

Key factors for Pompey:

• Set Pieces: Portsmouth will look to capitalize on corners and free-kicks, utilizing their height advantage against a potentially rotated Arsenal backline.
• The Crowd: If they can keep the game scoreless for the first 30 minutes, the crowd will become the 12th man.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta faces a balancing act. The congested Premier League schedule requires rotation, but the FA Cup is a trophy Arsenal loves to win. We can expect a blend of experienced squad players and exciting young talent.

In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to deputize for David Raya. The defense could see significant changes, with Ben White potentially captaining the side alongside fringe players and academy graduates.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Arrizabalaga
• Defenders: White, Norgaard, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
• Midfielders: Merino, Nwaneri, Eze
• Forwards: Madueke, Martinelli, Jesus

Tactical Analysis:
This predicted lineup offers a fascinating mix.

• Myles Lewis-Skelly has been knocking on the door of the first team and offers exceptional technical ability from the left-back or inverted midfield role.
• Ethan Nwaneri represents the future of Arsenal’s midfield. His creativity and close control will be vital in breaking down a low block.
• Gabriel Jesus will likely lead the line, looking to regain rhythm and confidence. His work rate is essential for the high press Arteta demands, even in cup ties.
• Eze provides that X-factor. If the game becomes stagnant, his ability to glide past players could be the key to unlocking the Portsmouth defense.

Injury Updates & Absentees:
Arsenal will likely leave several key starters in London to rest. Check official club channels one hour before kick-off for the finalized team sheet, but expect players carrying minor knocks from the league campaign to be completely rested.

Where to Watch: TV Channels by Region

With the match being a televised selection, broadcast coverage is extensive globally. Here is where you can find the game on your local listings.

United Kingdom

In the UK, the rights for the FA Cup are split. For this specific tie:

• Channel: TNT Sports 1 & TNT Sports Ultimate.
• Coverage: Pre-match buildup usually begins 30 to 45 minutes before kick-off, featuring analysis on the history of both clubs and the specific challenges of Fratton Park.

United States

The magic of the FA Cup has a massive following in the States.

• Channel: ESPN2 is the likely linear TV home, with select overflow games on ESPN Select.
• Note: Always check the ESPN schedule closer to kickoff, as FA Cup rights in the US are heavily focused on their streaming platform (ESPN+), though high-profile matches often make it to cable.

Canada

Canadian Gunners and Pompey fans can tune in via Sportsnet.

• Channel: Sportsnet World or Sportsnet One often carry the marquee FA Cup matchups.

Rest of the World

• Australia: Paramount+ holds the rights for FA Cup matches.
• India: Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 2 usually) and SonyLIV.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (DStv) remains the primary broadcaster for English football.
• Middle East & North Africa: beIN Sports will broadcast the match live.

Live Stream Options

If you aren’t near a television, streaming services are your best bet to catch every goal and tackle.

Streaming in the UK

• Discovery+: This is the primary streaming home for TNT Sports. You will need a subscription that includes the sports package. The app is available on smart TVs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.
• TNT Sports App: Existing subscribers via BT/EE can often use the dedicated app.

Streaming in the USA

• ESPN+: The majority of FA Cup games are streamed exclusively here. It is a reliable service for soccer fans in the US, offering nearly every fixture of the tournament.
• FuboTV: If the match is broadcast on linear TV (ESPN2), you can stream it via FuboTV, which offers a cloud DVR feature if you can’t wake up for the 9:00 AM EST start.

Global Streaming Tips

• Official Apps: Always stick to official broadcaster apps (Sky Go, DSTV Now, beIN Connect) for the most stable and high-quality streams.
• Legal Note: Avoid illegal “free stream” sites. They are often riddled with malware, have poor picture quality, and are prone to being shut down mid-match. Supporting official broadcasters ensures the financial health of the competition.

Pre-Match Tips for Fans

Whether you are traveling to the south coast or watching from your living room, here is how to get the most out of matchday.

For the Traveling Fans

If you are lucky enough to have a ticket in the away end at Fratton Park, arrive early. The stadium is old-school, meaning turnstiles can be narrow and queues can build up. The atmosphere will be hostile but passionate—exactly what you want from an FA Cup tie.

For the Sofa Supporter

1. Set App Reminders: Use apps like OneFootball, FotMob, or the official Arsenal app to send you a push notification 15 minutes before kick-off.
2. Second Screen Experience: Keep Twitter (X) or Reddit open. The live reaction threads for cup games are often hilarious, especially if a giant-killing looks possible.
3. Radio Commentary: If you can’t watch the screen, BBC Radio 5 Live or talkSPORT usually provide excellent audio commentary that captures the atmosphere better than television sometimes can.
4. VPN Advice: If you are traveling abroad for work or vacation during the game, you may find your usual subscription (like Discovery+ or ESPN+) is geo-blocked. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to set your location back to your home country can allow you to access the services you legally pay for. Always check the terms of service of your provider.

Final Notes

As kickoff approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecast. English coastal weather in January can be unpredictable. Wind and rain at Fratton Park can level the playing field, making it harder for Arsenal’s technical players to move the ball quickly and favoring a more direct, physical approach from Portsmouth.

Also, monitor the warmup. Late injuries are not uncommon, especially during the busy winter period. A sudden change in the lineup—like Bukayo Saka being added to the bench or a starting defender pulling out—can drastically change the tactical dynamic of the game.

This fixture has all the ingredients of a classic. A historic ground, a passionate fanbase, and a Premier League giant looking to prove their depth. Whether it ends in a comfortable win for the Gunners or a magical night for Pompey, you won’t want to miss it.

Enjoy the match!