Prediction and odds for the game: Portsmouth (6/1) v Arsenal (4/11)
We are backing the over 2.5 goals scored
When: March 2nd 2020, Kick-off 7:45 PM
Where: Fratton Park
On Monday night, League One Portsmouth host Premier League Arsenal at Fratton Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Portsmouth
The home side is enjoying a successful season, as Pompey are currently in the play-off spots in League One, just two points behind the automatic play-off spots. The home team head into this clash on the back of four wins in their last five matches in all competitions.
Kenny Jackett’s team have been lethal in front of goal of late, scoring at least two goals scored in four of their last five competitive matches.
Pompey have won their last four games in the FA Cup, beating Harrogate Town, Altrincham, Fleetwood Town and last time out Barnsley. In fact, the team from the south coast have won seven of their last nine matches in this competition, having suffered just one defeat.
Pompey have a mixed recent record at Fratton Park in the FA Cup. However, Portsmouth are unbeaten in three home games in the competition, including their last two games on home soil. Both teams have scored in Portsmouth last six matches in the FA Cup.
Arsenal
The Gunners form has improved since the appointment of Mikel Arteta as head coach. However, the team from north London suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Olympiakos last time out to suffer an exit from the Europa League at the last-32 stage. The defeat against Olympiakos ended a ten-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
The Gunners may fall behind in the race for the European qualification spots, with most of their rivals playing this weekend. They will at least hope to move a step closer to win silverware this season, but this game is a potential banana skin for the visitors.
Arsenal have enjoyed mixed fortunes in the FA Cup in recent years, as the team from north London have won three and lost two of their last five matches in the famous old competition.
The Gunners have beaten Leeds and Bournemouth to get this far in the competition. They are already further than they got last season when they suffered a fourth-round exit against Manchester united after 3-1 defeat.
Arsenal have been strong on their travels of late in the FA Cup, as the visitors have lost just once in their last 13 away games in the competition.
Conclusion
This game is definitely not Portsmouth’s priority heading into this clash. Arsenal will also see clinching a European spot as a prior. However, both teams will no doubt be keen to progress to the next round.
Arsenal look the likely winners, but their odds of victory do not offer great odds. With that in mind, we are backing the over 2.5 goals scored, as both teams have been involved in high-scoring games of late. We are also backing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to be an anytime scorer.
Verdict: We are backing the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 3/5 and/or Eddie Nketiah to be an anytime scorer at odds of 11/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Will Pompey shock the Gunners at Fratton Park?
