Pompey need to make it ugly for Arsenal - Poole

Portsmouth defender Regan Poole says they need to make it "ugly" when they host high-flying Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

The Gunners are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, whilst Pompey are 21st in the Championship.

"It's a crazy draw, but what you wish for," Poole told BBC Radio Solent.

"We're not going to just roll over and watch them play football and look all nice. We're going to get in their faces and make it as ugly as possible for them.

"They are the best at the minute. Top of the Champions League, top of the Premier League. They're flying, but we need to make it as tough as possible. Not many people like coming to Fratton Park.

"Hopefully they can be the same, and we can put them under pressure early. Rock them a little bit, and have a right good go at them."

Poole helped League Two Newport County beat Championship Middlesborough in 2019, but has also suffered cup heartbreak.

He picked up a season-ending knee injury in Pompey's FA Cup defeat at National League leaders Chesterfield two seaons ago.

"That was not ideal, but that is just football. That's behind me now. It is what it is, it could have happened to anyone," he said.

"I've been pretty lucky in the FA Cup to be honest. I've played Man City and other good teams in this competiton, so this is another to add to the list.

"I've missed so much football at this club, I don't want to miss any more as it is. Everyone wants to play in this game. It's going to be a really good occasion, and everyone should be snapping your hand off to play."

Following Sunday's high-profile cup tie, Portsmouth return to league action with games against bottom side Sheffield Wednesday, promotion-chasers Watford, and south coast rivals Southampton in the next fortnight.

Poole insists confidence is high despite their 5-0 thumping at Bristol City on New Year's Day.

"We've got a big couple of weeks ahead, but the league's crazy. I feel anyone can beat anyone, whether its Sheffield Wednesday or Ipswich at the top of the league. I don't think it matters who we're playing at the minute," he added.

"Because of how things are, Sheffield Wednedsday feels a bigger game than it probably is, but we need to win every game at the minute and pick up points against top of the league or bottom."