Arsenal travels to Fratton Park on Monday, March 2nd, 2020, to face League One side Portsmouth in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. This crucial fixture presents Mikel Arteta with a significant selection challenge as he navigates a demanding schedule and a growing injury list, balancing the desire for silverware with squad management.
Background to the FA Cup Clash
The FA Cup holds particular significance for Arsenal, representing their most realistic chance of securing silverware in the 2019-2020 season and potentially qualifying for European competition. Under new manager Mikel Arteta, who took the reins in December 2019, the Gunners have shown signs of improvement, particularly in their defensive organisation and pressing intensity, yet consistency remains a work in progress. Their journey to the fifth round included a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leeds United and a comfortable 2-1 win against Bournemouth.
Portsmouth, managed by Kenny Jackett, comes into this tie in formidable form. The League One outfit has been on an impressive run, climbing the league table and reaching the EFL Trophy final. Their FA Cup campaign has seen them overcome Harrogate Town, Altrincham, and Barnsley, demonstrating their resilience and attacking prowess. Fratton Park is renowned for its passionate atmosphere, posing a stern test for any visiting team, regardless of league status. Arsenal, a record 13-time FA Cup winner, understands the unpredictable nature of the competition, especially when facing lower-league opposition on their home turf.
Key Developments and Team News
Mikel Arteta faces a delicate balancing act ahead of the Portsmouth encounter. With a crucial North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur looming in the Premier League just days after the FA Cup tie, rotation is almost a certainty. However, the Spaniard will be acutely aware of the need to field a strong enough side to avoid a potential upset against a confident Portsmouth team. Recent performances, including a challenging draw against Olympiacos in the Europa League and a hard-fought victory over Everton in the Premier League, have stretched the squad.
Injury Latest
Arsenal's medical room has seen a steady stream of occupants, impacting Arteta's selection options:
Calum Chambers: The defender remains a long-term absentee, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in December 2019. He is not expected to feature again this season.
* Kieran Tierney: The Scottish left-back is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder sustained in December. While progressing well, he is not yet ready for first-team action.
* Sead Kolasinac: The Bosnian international sustained a significant shoulder injury against Everton and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, further depleting Arteta's options at left-back.
* Shkodran Mustafi: The German centre-back picked up a thigh strain during the Europa League clash with Olympiacos and is considered a major doubt for the Portsmouth game. His absence would be a blow given his recent resurgence under Arteta.
* Cédric Soares: The January loan signing arrived with a knee injury and has yet to make his debut for the club. He is still undergoing rehabilitation and will not be available.
* Lucas Torreira: The Uruguayan midfielder is a key concern. While he was available for selection, he would unfortunately suffer a fractured ankle during this very match, highlighting the physical demands. Prior to the game, he was fit and a candidate for midfield duties.
* Mesut Özil: The German playmaker missed the previous Europa League fixture due to illness but returned to the squad for the Premier League game against Everton. He is expected to be available for selection, though his involvement in a cup game might depend on Arteta's rotation strategy.
These injuries, particularly in defensive areas, will force Arteta to rely on squad depth and potentially integrate more academy prospects.
More Read
Predicted Starting XI
Given the injury concerns, the upcoming Premier League fixture, and the nature of the opposition, Arteta is likely to rotate his squad, offering opportunities to fringe players and promising youngsters.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
* Martínez has been Arsenal's designated cup goalkeeper, delivering consistently strong performances. He provides a reliable last line of defence and will be eager to maintain his clean sheet record in the competition.
Defence:
* Right-Back: Héctor Bellerín
* While a regular starter, Bellerín might be given minutes to maintain match fitness or due to limited alternative options. Alternatively, Ainsley Maitland-Niles could step in.
* Centre-Back: Sokratis Papastathopoulos
* With Mustafi doubtful and Chambers and Kolasinac out, Sokratis is a strong candidate to start. His experience will be vital against a physical Portsmouth attack.
* Centre-Back: Rob Holding
* Holding has been gradually returning to full fitness and form after his own injury struggles. This match offers a perfect opportunity for him to gain valuable minutes and solidify his place.
* Left-Back: Bukayo Saka
* Saka has been outstanding this season, deputising brilliantly at left-back. With Tierney and Kolasinac sidelined, he is the undisputed choice in this position and will be crucial for both defence and attack.
Midfield:
* Defensive Midfield: Lucas Torreira
* Torreira, before his unfortunate injury in this very match, was a prime candidate to start, offering tenacity and ball-winning ability in the engine room. His energy would have been vital.
* Central Midfield: Matteo Guendouzi
* Guendouzi has seen his playing time fluctuate but remains a dynamic option in midfield. He will be looking to impress and dictate play from deep.
* Attacking Midfield: Joe Willock
* Willock often features in cup competitions and provides youthful energy and directness from midfield. His ability to drive forward and support the attack will be important.
Attack:
* Right Wing: Reiss Nelson
* Nelson has shown flashes of brilliance this season and will be keen to make an impact. His pace and dribbling could trouble the Portsmouth defence.
* Left Wing: Gabriel Martinelli
* The young Brazilian sensation has been a revelation. His tireless work rate and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and he's likely to be given another chance to shine.
* Striker: Eddie Nketiah
* Nketiah has returned from his loan spell and has already scored important goals. This match is an ideal opportunity for him to lead the line and continue his goalscoring form, offering a rest to Alexandre Lacazette.
This lineup provides a blend of experience and youth, aiming to secure progression while managing the fitness of key first-team regulars.
More Read
Impact of the Selection
The chosen XI will have a significant impact on various fronts. For the players, it represents either a chance to impress and stake a claim for more regular starts (for the likes of Holding, Guendouzi, Willock, Nelson, Nketiah, and Martinelli) or a well-deserved rest for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Granit Xhaka, and Dani Ceballos. For Mikel Arteta, it is a test of his squad management skills and his ability to prepare a team to overcome a highly motivated lower-league opponent in a challenging environment.
A victory would not only propel Arsenal into the FA Cup quarter-finals but also provide a crucial confidence boost ahead of a demanding run of Premier League fixtures. It would validate Arteta's rotation strategy and demonstrate the depth and quality of his squad. Conversely, an early exit would intensify pressure on the manager and the team, particularly given the club's desire for silverware.
What Next for Arsenal
Following the FA Cup clash, Arsenal's immediate focus will shift back to the Premier League, with a crucial North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, March 8th. This fixture holds immense importance for their aspirations of climbing the league table and securing a European qualification spot. Progression in the FA Cup would lead to a quarter-final draw, adding another fixture to an already packed schedule, but one that the club would gladly embrace in pursuit of a trophy.
Arteta's long-term project at Arsenal involves rebuilding the squad and instilling a winning mentality. The FA Cup provides a tangible measure of progress and an opportunity to deliver immediate success, which could be a catalyst for further improvement in the league. The performance at Fratton Park will be a telling indicator of the squad's depth, resilience, and commitment to Arteta's vision.
