Arsenal will kick off its FA Cup journey on Sunday, January 11, facing Portsmouth at Fratton Park. The match is set to start at 9 a.m. ET (6 a.m. PT), and will be broadcast in the US on ESPN 2 and ESPN Plus.
The Gunners are entering this contest following a hard-fought goalless draw against Liverpool, which has kept them six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to place significant importance on the FA Cup, aiming to avoid a repeat of last season’s early exit, where his side was knocked out on penalties by a 10-man Manchester United in the third round.
Portsmouth, currently floundering at 21st in the Championship and just one point above the relegation zone, will be looking to find some solace in the FA Cup amidst their recent challenges. Their morale might not be very high following a heavy 5-0 defeat to Bristol City last week.
In their most recent encounter, Arsenal faced Portsmouth in the fifth round of the 2020 FA Cup, triumphing with a 2-0 victory that contributed to their eventual title win that season.
For viewers interested in watching the match, it will also be available for live streaming on various platforms. In the UK, TNT Sport will air the match, while Canadians can catch the action on Sportsnet. Australian fans can watch through the streaming service Stan Sport. The US audience can engage via ESPN’s newly structured packages which include ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited, providing affordable options for fans to access the games.
This FA Cup match presents Portsmouth with an opportunity to uplift their spirits and showcase their talent against one of the Premier League’s top teams, while Arsenal aims to progress further in a tournament that holds a special place in their history.