The impact Arsenal FA Cup showdown will have on Portsmouth ahead of crucial League One fixtures

The Pompey boss is certain his players won’t be putting the fifth-round showdown with the Gunners next Monday before two crucial league encounters.

The Blues face MK Dons tonight before welcoming Rochdale to Fratton Park on Friday evening in a big home double.

SEE ALSO: The Arsenal ace drawing comparisons with Fratton favourite Thierry Henry ahead of Pompey Cup clash

Jackett’s side can scarcely afford to lose focus with the race for the Championship at a crticial stage, and the boss doesn’t feel the attention being afforded the Arsenal game will mean that will happen.

He said: ‘I never think it is (a distraction).

‘On speaking to the players, getting to the Championship is far and away the number-one priority.

‘It’s not like their focus on the Arsenal game is above it, but similarly they all want to play.

‘It’s a chance against Arsenal at home and it will be on TV. So they will want to play.

‘I don’t think any of them would say Arsenal is more important than MK Dons or Rochdale, though. They would all say those games.

‘So I would like to think it won’t have any effect.’

Jackett is already viewing the Arsenal game as a free hit when it arrives and has no problem with everyone involved in Pompey getting excited about their visit.

He added: ‘The next games are our priority but when big cup games come around you want to enjoy those as well.

‘That’s a fair enough way to be because they’re great games.

‘I’d like to think the Arsenal game won’t affect it. I don’t think it will.

‘We would want to get through. We’re the last League One side in the FA Cup.

‘That’s a good achievement and then, after that, it’s almost a free shot at Arsenal at home.

‘It’s a great game, a terrific game. Whatever happens now we’ve done well in this competition and when that game comes around let’s have a good go at it - because you never know.’