FA Cup

Chelsea will travel to Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 FA Cup, while holders Manchester City will visit Newcastle United. 

The other confirmed tie from Wednesday's draw for the sixth round will see Arsenal will go to Premier League high-fliers Sheffield United. Norwich City's reward for knocking out Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday will be a home clash with either Manchester United or Derby County.

The final tie of the fifth round, between the Red Devils and the Rams, will be played at Pride Park on Thursday. Spurs and Norwich were playing extra time in their clash on Wednesday when the draw was made.

Here is the draw for the quarter-finals in full, with the matches scheduled to be played on the weekend of March 21.

FA Cup 2019-20 - Quarter-Final Draw

Sheffield United vs. Arsenal

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City

Norwich City vs. Derby County or Manchester United.

Leicester City vs. Chelsea

Chelsea produced arguably the performance of the fifth round on Tuesday, overcoming Liverpool 2-0 at Stamford Bridge after goals from Willian and Ross Barkley.

Manager Frank Lampard would have been delighted with the intensity showcased by his players, as they were dominant against the Premier League leaders. He also would have been pleased with the showing of 18-year-old Billy Gilmour, who excelled in midfield.

Squawka Football summed up what was a memorable night for the teenager, who will be desperate to help Chelsea in the next round: 

A trip to the King Power Stadium represents another big challenge for the Blues, although Leicester haven't been at their best as of late.

On Wednesday, they needed a late header from Ricardo Pereira to get past second-tier Birmingham City. Leicester hosted Chelsea at the quarter-final stages two years ago in the FA Cup too, with the London club 2-1 winners after extra time.

Elsewhere, the holders will face Newcastle at what promises to be a raucous St James' Park in the last eight. City had to battle for their place in the quarter-finals, overcoming Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough thanks to Sergio Aguero's second-half goal: 

Per OptaJoe, the win ensured that Pep Guardiola kept up his fantastic record in the tournament: 

Newcastle will be big underdogs but they will no doubt relish the occasion. Their 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday saw the Magpies into the last eight for the first time since 2006.

Arsenal were the first team to book a quarter-final place this week after a 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Monday. However, Sheffield United, who are enjoying a remarkable campaign back in the top flight, will fancy their chances of knocking out the 13-time FA Cup winners.

Manchester City took another step forward in their defence of the FA Cup on Wednesday, battling to a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the fifth round.

City dominated the first 45 minutes without being at their best. The closest they came to breaking the deadlock before half-time came through an unlikely source in Nicolas Otamendi, as the defender planted a header against the bar.

In the second half, the holders were much improved, with Sergio Aguero striking in the 53rd minute to give them the lead. Despite a late flurry from the home side, City were able to control much of the second period and should have extended their advantage before full time.

The match settled into an unsurprising pattern early on, with City dominating possession and Wednesday seeking to spring clear on the counter-attack.

Gabriel Jesus did well on a couple of occasions to get in behind, although on each instance a poor touch prevented the forward from getting a shot off.

In addition to their dominance in open play, the away side were also able to provide a threat from set pieces.

Otamendi was proving difficult for the opposition defence to handle, and the Argentinian was inches away from giving City the lead, with his header clattering off the bar. John Stones also missed a golden chance before the break, skewing a header into the ground and over.

At the break, Nancy Frostick of The Athletic commented on what was a determined performance from the home side, who had benefitted from the visitors' profligacy: 

With Pep Guardiola's half-time words ringing in their ears, there was more intensity in City's play at the start of the second period.

Benjamin Mendy thundered a shot off the bar, and the breakthrough came soon after. Aguero was able to find space in the Wednesday area, and while Joe Wildsmith did get a hand on the left-footed effort, the ball looped up into the air and into the net: 

Per football journalist Richard Jolly, the strike was enough to see Aguero reach a Manchester landmark ahead of Sunday's derby: 

The goal drained the vigour from Wednesday's work off the ball, and for much of the remainder of the game, City were able to keep possession almost at walking pace.

Riyad Mahrez was the man who looked most capable of adding to City's advantage, although he was foiled on a number of occasions by Wildsmith with shots from distance.

Raheem Sterling, on as a late substitute, had a golden chance to score a second in stoppage time. His effort was befitting of a man low on confidence, having hit straight at the goalkeeper.

What's Next?

Following back-to-back cup matches—City won the Carabao Cup against Aston Villa on Sunday—Guardiola's team are back in action in the Premier League on Sunday, with bitter rivals Manchester United the visitors.

Wednesday will visit Championship promotion hopefuls Brentford a day earlier.

Manchester United take on Championship side Derby County at Pride Park on Thursday in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The game sees United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney take on his former club for the first time since returning to England after a spell in Major League Soccer.

The former England international joined Derby in January from D.C. United and has already become an instrumental player for the Rams, scoring four goals and contributing two assists in his 14 appearances for the club.

Date: Thursday, March 5

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET

TV Info: BT Sport 1 (UK)

Live Stream: BT Sport app (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

Odds (courtesy of Caesars Palace): Derby County 11-2, Draw 3-1, Manchester United 1-2

Match Preview

All eyes will be on Rooney on Thursday when he takes on his former club. The Derby captain won the FA Cup with the Red Devils in 2016 and has spoken about the prospect of facing United:

The 34-year-old was on target in the Rams' fourth-round win over Northampton Town and will be crucial to the hosts' chances of success, according to manager Phillip Cocu:

The Derby boss told reporters his team will still be without Tom Huddlestone for the match but said his players believe they can pull off a shock and reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1999.

“If you look at the game, they are the favourites but there is a belief within the team," Cocu said. "If they play one of their best games it will be difficult for us, but sometimes big teams do not play their best game."

Derby are in 13th place in the Championship table but possess a strong home record. They are unbeaten in 16 of 18 home league games in 2019-20 and have not tasted defeat at Pride Park in 2020.

Yet United also head into the match in good form. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have gone eight games without defeat in all competitions and are heavy favourites to progress.

The Red Devils manager is expected to rotate his starting XI, which means January signing Odion Ighalo could start in attack while Sergio Romero, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are also likely to feature.

Mason Greenwood could also continue up front and will be hoping to continue his fine form in front of goal in 2019-20:

Solskjaer is likely to have one eye on Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City, meaning in-form midfielder Bruno Fernandes could be rested for the trip to Derby.

United cruised past Tranmere Rovers 6-0 in the fourth round but will be wary of Derby, particularly since they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in 2018 by the Rams.

The Premier League side can expect another tough encounter on Thursday night but should have the quality, experience and momentum required to book their place in the last eight.

Liverpool's treble hopes have ended after the Reds were on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues advanced to the last eight of the 2020 FA Cup thanks to goals from Willian and Ross Barkley, with the 2018 winners to be joined in the draw by fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Beating West Bromwich Albion was enough to put the Magpies into the last eight, with Miguel Almiron helping himself to a brace. Sheffield United are also through after surviving being taken to extra time by Championship side Reading when George Puscas equalised from the spot for the Royals.

Billy Sharp popped up with the decisive goal for United in the 106th minute.

Tuesday's Scores

• Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
• Reading 1-2 Sheffield United (after extra time)
• West Bromwich Albion 2-3 Newcastle United

Remaining Schedule

Wednesday, March 4

• Leicester City vs. Birmingham City: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
• Sheffield Wednesday vs. Manchester City: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET

Thursday, March 5

• Derby County vs. Manchester United: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET

It was a night of redemption for more than one Chelsea player, particularly under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. He had been dropped by Frank Lampard for Premier League and UEFA Champions League action, but the former Athletic Bilbao stopper was on form for the cup.

Arrizabalaga produced a remarkable triple save to frustrate Liverpool in the first half:

Liverpool stand-in goalkeeper Adrian was having a tougher time at the other end. He let Willian's powerful drive bounce off him and into the net for Chelsea's opener.

Willian had been on the bench for Chelsea's last three matches, but his pace and flair were causing havoc among the Reds. Chelsea kept the Liverpool backline unsettled by bullying them with the strength of ex-Arsenal target man Olivier Giroud.

The hosts' most common tactic was to target the Frenchman with angled long balls over the top. Giroud mixed it with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, while Willian and Pedro pressed and harassed Liverpool's full-backs.

Chelsea were well on top and deservedly doubled the lead when Ross Barkley thundered in a second on 64 minutes. It should have been more, but Adrian made solid saves to deny Pedro and Giroud.

There were many standout performances for the home side, but teenage pass-master Billy Gilmour was crucial to the way Chelsea controlled the game:

Meanwhile, Liverpool look worryingly fragile defensively at the business end of the season. The Premier League title and retaining the Champions League are still in play, but the Reds need to reset after losing for the third time in four matches in all competitions.

Free-scoring is hardly a term applicable to a Newcastle team with a mere 24 goals to its credit in England's top flight this term. However, the Magpies were able to turn on the style against second-tier opposition at the Hawthorns.

Almiron opened the scoring after 33 minutes, while a slick team move allowed the Paraguayan to complete his brace in first-half stoppage time:

Valentino Lazaro, on loan from Serie A giants Inter Milan, made it 3-0 two minutes after the break. To their credit, the Baggies made a game of it with goals from Matt Phillips and Filip Krovinovic, but the visitors managed to hold on and progress to the quarter-final for the first time since 2006.

The Blades' progress was equally uncomfortable, although it looked like it would be serene when David McGoldrick scored after just two minutes. He doesn't have a Premier League goal to his credit, but the forward reacted quickest to a fine cross from Ben Osborn:

Reading were back on level terms two minutes before the break after George Baldock felled Andy Rinomhota in the box. Puscas stepped up confidently and converted with the minimum of fuss.

Extra time was eventually needed, and fittingly, it was club legend Sharp who made the difference. The 34-year-old headed in after a delivery from Luke Freeman to ensure a pragmatic team few of the remaining big names will want to face is in the draw.

Attention will now turn to holders Manchester City and their attempts to get past Sheffield Wednesday of the Championship. City dominated last season but were eliminated by League One side Wigan Athletic in 2018.

Chelsea knocked Liverpool out of the 2020 FA Cup on Tuesday, winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The Blues went ahead after just 12 minutes thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Adrian. The Liverpool No. 2 should have saved Willian's shot but could only divert it into the back of the net.

Jurgen Klopp's side came flying back but were denied an equaliser by a brilliant triple save from the recalled Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead just after the hour mark through Ross Barkley and should have had a third when Pedro ran through on goal but could not beat Adrian.

Both teams made wholesale changes to their teams after playing in the league on Saturday. Chelsea brought Kepa back into the starting XI and handed 18-year-old Billy Gilmour a start in midfield, while the Reds started January signing Takumi Minamino:

An explosive opening to the match brought chances for both sides and an opening goal for Chelsea. Willian fired an effort at Adrian from the outside of the box that the goalkeeper ought to have saved but fumbled into the back of the net (UK video only):

Liverpool came roaring back and would have levelled but for some brilliance from Kepa in the Chelsea goal. The Spaniard denied Sadio Mane from close range, blocked Divock Origi on the follow-up and then parried an effort from Curtis Jones for good measure too.

Chelsea also needed Kepa to deny Mane twice in the opening 45 minutes in an impressive performance on his return to the team after being dropped by Frank Lampard after a 2-2 draw to Arsenal on January 21:

Gilmour also shone in midfield for the Blues. The Scotland U21 player was a surprise name on the teamsheet but produced an energetic display full of composure that drew plenty of praise:

Chelsea lost Mateo Kovacic to injury at the start of the second half but continued to cause Liverpool problems in defence. Mason Mount hit the crossbar with a free-kick before Barkley doubled their advantage.

The midfielder went on a driving run towards goal and smashed a shot past Adrian into the bottom corner (UK video only):

Chelsea should have had a third two minutes later. Pedro was sent clean through on goal by a clearance from Kurt Zouma but could only shoot straight at Adrian.

The Liverpool goalkeeper was called into action again to prevent Chelsea extending their lead. Olivier Giroud managed to control a long ball and fire goalwards, but the Spaniard tipped his effort onto the woodwork.

It is an impressive result for Chelsea and Lampard, who were good value for the win, while the result means previously unbeaten Liverpool have now lost three of their last four games in all competitions.

What's Next?

Liverpool play Bournemouth in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, while Chelsea are at Everton on Sunday.

Arsenal comfortably defeated Portsmouth 2-0 on Monday in the FA Cup fifth round at Fratton Park.

Pompey provided threatening moments at the start, but a young Gunners side gave an excellent account of themselves on the south coast.

The remaining fifth-round ties will be played over the next three days. Chelsea and Liverpool clash on Tuesday, while cup holders Manchester City travel to Sheffield Wednesday the following day.

Manchester United have a date at Derby County and Wayne Rooney on Thursday.

5th-Round Schedule

Tuesday, March 3

Chelsea vs. Liverpool: 7.45 p.m. GMT, 2.45 p.m. ET

Reading vs. Sheffield United: 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET

West Bromwich Albion vs. Newcastle United: 8 p.m. GMT, 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday, March 4

Leicester City vs. Birmingham City: 7.45 p.m. GMT, 2.45 p.m. ET

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Manchester City: 7.45 p.m. GMT, 2.45 p.m. ET

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City: 7.45 p.m. GMT, 2.45 p.m. ET

Thursday, March 5

Derby County vs. Manchester United: 7.45 p.m. GMT, 2.45 p.m. ET

Arsenal showed there were no cobwebs remaining after their UEFA Europa League exit against Olympiacos, and the Premier League side skipped past third-tier Portsmouth.

Pompey came into the tie in tremendous form during their League One exploits, but the step up in class was too much for the third-place side, despite their passionate home support.

Mikel Arteta made nine changes as he heavily rotated his starters, with only David Luiz and Bukayo Saka remaining from Thursday's Europa selection.

Flamengo loan signing Pablo Mari was handed his debut at the heart of the Gunners defence, and it developed into a relatively quiet night for Arsenal's back line.

Pompey started well, with Ellis Harrison going close, but it was the away side who took control of the encounter.

Arteta's team dominated possession and were rewarded in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Sokratis' excellent finish beat Alex Bass to make it 1-0.

The goal was the confidence boost Arsenal desired, and they made the second half a comfortable experience.

Eddie Nketiah doubled the lead just six minutes after the restart. Portsmouth had no response to the scoreline as the match unfolded.

Arsenal become the first team into the last eight, with the competition their last chance of silverware this season.

Arsenal are the first team into the quarter-finals of the 2019-20 FA Cup after they battled to a 2-0 win over Portsmouth on Monday.  

There was little to separate the first- and third-tier sides in the opening half, although the Gunners were able to find a breakthrough in added time before the interval after Sokratis Papastathopoulos connected with a sweet volley.

Following the opener, Arsenal took control. Eddie Nketiah was able to quickly double the team's advantage after the restart, poking home after the Pompey defence failed to clear their lines.

The remaining seven FA Cup fifth-round ties will be played this week, with the quarter-final matches scheduled for the weekend of March 21.

The atmosphere was raucous from the off at Fratton Park, and it was no surprise to see the home side respond in turn with a determined start.

Although they were unable to carve out many openings, Portsmouth were unsettling the Arsenal defence and clattered into some fierce tackles too. Lucas Torreira was on the end of one and the Uruguayan midfielder was unable to continue, with Dani Ceballos brought on to replace him.

Per James Olley of the Evening Standard, despite the clear distress of the Arsenal man, he received little sympathy from the Portsmouth fans: 

In general, Arsenal were unable to produce much quality in the final third, with their approach play sluggish and one-dimensional. Their frustration was summed up when Matteo Guendouzi picked up a yellow card for this act of petulance: 

However, before the interval, they were able to finally pin their hosts back and make their superior quality count.

Reiss Nelson fizzed a dangerous ball into the penalty area that Sokratis thudded home a thumping volley in front of the travelling fans: 

After falling behind so close to half-time, it was no surprise that Portsmouth lacked the same intensity in their play in the second period, and Arsenal were on hand to capitalise.

Nelson again was the provider, putting in another dangerous cross from the right flank. The Portsmouth defenders were unable to clear the ball, and Nketiah was on hand to prod home from close range: 

Per The Arsenal Review, since he returned to the Gunners following a loan spell with Championship club Leeds United earlier in the season, the young forward has excelled: 

Having finally silenced the Fratton Park crowd, Arsenal took control of possession in the second half and quickly sapped any lingering belief the underdogs had. 

In the end, instead of piling forward in search of more goals, Arteta's team conserved energy and kept the ball. The Gunners boss would have eventually been pleased with how his team dealt with what had the potential to be a challenging evening on the south coast.

What's Next?

The Gunners' focus will turn to the Premier League again this weekend, with London rivals West Ham United the visitors to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Portsmouth will be seeking to continue their promotion push in League One when they visit Peterborough United.

Liverpool's response to the end of their 44-game unbeaten run in the Premier League will make Tuesday's 2020 FA Cup tie away to Chelsea in the fifth round compelling viewing.

Jurgen Klopp has made wholesale changes for the Reds' cup fixtures this season, and he may do so again after seeing his senior stars mauled 3-0 by relegation-threatened Watford on Saturday.

Yet the Reds manager will also be wary of what a second defeat in a row and third in four matches in all competitions would do to his team's confidence. Liverpool are 22 points clear in the league, but they need to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The Merseyside club have also failed to win the FA Cup since 2006. Their barren run is in stark contrast to Chelsea, with the Blues lifting the cup five times since the Reds' last triumph.

Frank Lampard's young team have been struggling of late, losing 3-0 to Bayern Munich in Europe, as well as dropping points against Manchester United and Bournemouth domestically.

Date: Tuesday, March 3

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET

TV Info: BBC One

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, ESPN+

Odds

• Chelsea: +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
• Liverpool: +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
• Draw: +305

Odds per Caesars Palace

Klopp has adopted a controversial and wholesale rotational policy for cup competitions this season. He sent out academy and reserve players under the watch of under-23s boss Neil Critchley for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa in December.

Liverpool lost 5-0 at Villa Park while Klopp and the senior players were in action at the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. Critchley was also in charge of an inexperienced lineup again when the Reds were taken to a fourth-round replay by League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Curtis Jones is one of the Melwood graduates who has caught the eye. He has shown good technique and talent as a finisher from midfield.

The 19-year-old's quality would give Liverpool a strong chance to spring an upset at Stamford Bridge. He may be helped by classy winger Harvey Elliott, who recently agreed a new contract set to run until 2023, according to Karl Matchett for The Independent.

Injury problems are hampering Chelsea's run-in, with midfield enforcer N'Golo Kante, striker Tammy Abraham and wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic all missing time.

Lampard would be wise to let former Arsenal target man Olivier Giroud lead the line up top. The Frenchman is a four-time cup winner and helped the Blues land the prize in 2018.

The 33-year-old couldn't find the net during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, but his recent form has been excellent:

Alternatively, Michy Batshuayi may get the nod after his goal helped beat Hull City 2-1 in the fourth round. The Belgium international offers more pace than Giroud and loves a cup tie:

Either striker could bully a Liverpool defence that has shown rare vulnerabilities recently, while the flair of Pedro and Willian would be an asset from the flanks.

Lampard usually trusts youth, but if he turns to greater experience on Tuesday, Chelsea will overpower a Liverpool side likely to be heavily rotated again.

The 2020 FA Cup returns on Monday with the fifth round as Arsenal travel to Portsmouth.

On Tuesday, Chelsea take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, while Premier League sides Newcastle United and Sheffield United are away at Reading and West Bromwich Albion, respectively.

Leicester City host Birmingham City on Wednesday. At the same time, holders Manchester City take on Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham Hotspur face Norwich City.

Manchester United face off against Derby County in the only match on Thursday.

Here's the complete schedule, including score predictions and viewing information for each clash, followed by odds.

Monday, March 2

Portsmouth 1-2 Arsenal, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET, BT Sport 1

Tuesday, March 3

Chelsea 2-3 Liverpool, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET, BBC One

Reading 0-1 Sheffield United, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

West Brom 2-1 Newcastle United, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET, BBC Red Button

Wednesday, March 4

Leicester City 2-0 Birmingham City, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET

Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Manchester City, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET, BBC One

Tottenham 1-0 Norwich City, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET, BBC Red Button

Thursday, March 5

Derby 1-3 Manchester United, 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m ET, BT Sport 1

In the United Kingdom, matches broadcast on the BBC and BT Sport can be streamed live via BBC iPlayer and the BT Sport App, respectively. In the United States, every match can be streamed via ESPN+.

Odds

Portsmouth (13-2), Draw (7-2), Arsenal (2-5)

Chelsea (11-10), Draw (3-1), Liverpool (2-1)

Reading (7-2), Draw (5-2), Sheffield United (5-6)

West Brom (6-4), Draw (9-4), Newcastle United (2-1)

Leicester City (2-9), Draw (11-2), Birmingham City (12-1)

Sheffield Wednesday (13-1), Draw (11-2), Manchester City (1-5)

Tottenham (1-2), Draw (7-2), Norwich (5-1)

Derby (6-1), Draw (7-2), Manchester United (4-9)

Odds courtesy of Caesars Palace

Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Liverpool come into the fifth round of the FA Cup on the back of suffering their first Premier League defeat of the season.

The Reds were stunned 3-0 by Watford on Saturday, ending their hopes of an unbeaten campaign:

The defeat followed a 3-2 win over West Ham United and a 1-0 loss at Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, so Jurgen Klopp's side have shipped six goals in their last three games.

Chelsea are in even bigger trouble defensively, though.

They had to come from a goal down to salvage a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on Saturday, per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella:

The Blues have not kept a clean sheet in eight games in all competitions, and no team has conceded more than their 39 in the Premier League's top half.

Frank Lampard's side have failed to win on 12 occasions at Stamford Bridge this season, too, having lost eight of those games, so it will be difficult for them against a Liverpool side looking to bounce back from their shock defeat.

Derby County vs. Manchester United

United's trip to Derby will see former Red Devils captain Wayne Rooney face his former club.

The 34-year-old is United's record goalscorer, with 253 strikes in 559 appearances.

He doesn't have a particularly good record when facing United, though:

The quality of the Red Devils' performances has improved since Bruno Fernandes joined the club from Sporting CP in January, too.

He pulled the strings for the first 65 minutes as United beat Club Brugge 5-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday:

In four starts for his new side, he's contributed two goals and two assists, so with him in the team, United should have too much for the Championship outfit.

Arsenal visit Portsmouth on Monday in the FA Cup, with the competition representing the Gunners' last chance of silverware this season.

Mikel Arteta's men crashed out of the UEFA Europa League against Olympiacos on Thursday, and the north London giants continue to float in mid-table in the Premier League.

Pompey have been in excellent form this season. The 2008 FA Cup winners are third in League 1 and fighting hard for promotion.

Date: Monday, March 2

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT, 3:45 p.m. ET

TV: BT Sport 1 (UK)

Stream: BT Sport Player, ESPN+

Odds: Portsmouth: 127-20, Arsenal: 3-7, draw: 37-10 (via Caesars Palace)

Preview

After a crushing exit from Europe for Arsenal, a trip to the south coast poses plenty of questions for Arteta in the cup.

The Spaniard fielded a superior side on paper against Olympiacos, but Arsenal's lack of leadership and endeavour was exposed by the visitors during a 2-1 extra-time loss in the capital. The Greek team went through on away goals after a dramatic last-minute winner.

Football.London's James Benge was unimpressed with the Gunners' performance:

Per BBC Sport, Arteta told his pre-match press conference on Saturday his team are hurting, but he hopes to see a reaction in the upcoming cup tie:

"We trained today, we were all very down, frustrated and disappointed.

"The first message to them was that I am right behind them, I said 'thank you for the attitude' - they tried, tried and tried again and deserved to win.

"We can fall and we can have disappointments but it is how we react individually and collectively."

Pompey won't be an easy prospect for the top-flight team, and Kenny Jackett's men have produced a high level of consistency this term. Thirteen wins in their last 15 games in all competitions sees Portsmouth enter the tie high on confidence and belief.

They collected a convincing 3-0 win over Rochdale on Friday, making it 51 goals for the season in League 1—the fourth-best record in the division. Forwards John Marquis and Ronan Curtis have accounted for 24 of those goals between them, and they will look to feast on an Arsenal back line that has conceded four times in the last two games. 

However, with the side just three points off the top of the table in a tight race for promotion to the Championship, Jackett may want to rest some players with a return to the second tier in sight. 

Much will also depend on Arteta's selection and whether the coach prioritises his team's cup endeavours over league position.

The Gunners still possess faint ambitions of a top-four finish, and the eight-point gap to catch Chelsea isn't impossible to bridge.

A favourable run of games could see Arsenal catapult up the table in the weeks ahead, but if Arteta wants to win a trophy, he will need to field an experienced side at Fratton Park.