Our prediction for this FA Cup match:
Portsmouth
Match Time & Date:
02/03/2020
02:45 PM
Prediction: 2-2
Arsenal
After eliminating Barnsley in the previous round, Portsmouth will be looking to claim yet another major scalp in the FA Cup when they take on Premier League side Arsenal at their Fratton Park. Not only the Pompey are determined to secure promotion to the Championship, but they aim to go all the way in the FA Cup as well. Considering that they have been impressive at home ground in the 2019/20 season, we predict that they are going to make life difficult for the Gunners, who are not enjoying a season to remember.
A close encounter is on the cards at Fratton Park, and we predict that the two teams are going to play out a draw in 90 minutes. A man to watch in the home team will be John Marquis, while Portsmouth defenders should have Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at bay as the Gabon international has netted 17 goals in the EPL so far this term.
Highlighted Player (Anton Walkes):
Anton Walkes is a product of Tottenham Hotspur football academy. Born in Lewisham, England on February 8, 1997, Walkes is a right-back, who can play in the midfield as well. The English footballer played for the likes of Atlanta United and Portsmouth on loan from 2017 to 2018 before signing a permanent deal with the Pompey at the end of the 2017/2018 season.
Walkes scored only one goal in 24 appearances for Portsmouth in the 2018/2019 League One season, finding the net in a thrilling 5-2 victory at Fleetwood Town. His deal with the Pompey should expire on June 30, 2020 and it has to be noted that his preferred foot is right.
In the 2018/2019 season Anton Walkes won the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth as they defeated Sunderland on penalties in the title game. Walkes came as a substitute for Ben Close in extra-time, spending less than 10 minutes on the field.
Highlighted Team (Arsenal):
Arsenal are regarded as one of the best English teams. The Gunners have won 12 FA Cup trophies, 13 league titles and two League Cups, but they have yet to lift the Champions League trophy. Arsene Wenger’s team were on the verge of beating Barcelona in the Champions League final back in 2006, but they eventually failed to win the prestigious title.
Arsenal used to play their homes at Highbury, but in 2006 they moved to the Emirates Stadium. The capacity of the stadium is 60,260. The Gunners won their last Premier League trophy back in 2004, with the capital club going through the season without a single loss. The likes of Thierry Henry, Denis Bergkamp and Robert Pires were part of the team back then, but Arsenal have not won the league trophy ever since.
Arsenal was founded by Woolwich munitions workers as Dial Square back in 1886. It is well known that Tottenham Hotspur are Arsenal’s fiercest rivals and there have always been fireworks when the two local rivals meet in the North London derby.
