Arsenal will begin their 2025/26 FA Cup journey with an away trip to face Portsmouth. The draw for the third round of the historic competition took place on December 8, setting up a classic cup tie at Fratton Park. For the Gunners, this marks the start of their quest for a record-extending 15th FA Cup title. Fans across the globe, from London to Lagos, will be eagerly anticipating the start of another cup run.

This season introduces a key change to the competition’s format. Consequently, there will be no replays for drawn matches. This means a winner must be decided on the day, through extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.

Fratton Park Awaits: Key Fixture Details

The Gunners are scheduled to travel to the south coast for the match during the weekend of Saturday, January 10. Fratton Park is renowned for its passionate atmosphere, and Arsenal will need to be at their best to navigate this tricky opening fixture.

Portsmouth, who currently sit 22nd in the Championship, will undoubtedly be looking to cause a major upset. For Mikel Arteta’s squad, this match is the first hurdle in a competition deeply embedded in the club’s history. The single-leg format adds another layer of drama, ensuring that both teams must leave everything on the pitch to advance to the fourth round.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

This fixture brings back positive memories for Arsenal. The last time these two clubs met in the FA Cup was in March 2020. On that occasion, the Gunners secured a professional 2-0 victory at this very stadium.

That win was a crucial step on the path to lifting the trophy that season, which was Mikel Arteta’s first piece of silverware as manager. The team will certainly be hoping that this draw is a good omen as they look to replicate that success. Moreover, Arsenal holds an impressive unbeaten run against Portsmouth in the FA Cup, a record they will be keen to extend.

The Road to a Record 15th Title

For Arsenal, the FA Cup is more than just another tournament; it is a legacy. As the most successful club in the competition’s history, the expectation is always to compete for the trophy. This third-round tie is the first step on what the team hopes will be another memorable journey to Wembley.

Achieving a 15th title would further cement Arsenal’s status as the kings of the FA Cup. It requires focus, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges like the one presented by Portsmouth. The squad will need to balance its domestic and European commitments, but the magic of the cup provides a unique motivation.

Conclusion: A Classic Cup Challenge Begins

In conclusion, the FA Cup draw has handed Arsenal a classic and challenging start to their 2025/26 campaign. The trip to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth is a fixture rich with history and potential difficulty. With the new single-leg format, there is no room for error. The team will need to be sharp from the first whistle to ensure they safely progress and keep the dream of a 15th FA Cup trophy alive.