Arsenal
Possible Arsenal Lineup For The 2014/15 Season
After a wave of despondency sweeping across the Emirates last season as Arsenal threw away their Premier League title hopes, a wave of expectations is oozing across the Gunners fans who believe that the FA Cup triumph must release the omen on the club’s quest for silverware. The London club have had a significant transfer window with Alexis Sanchez being the marquee signing till date. However a striker remains Arsene Wenger’s biggest priority while acquisitions are to be made to further strengthen the defense.
Can Wenger lead his young but talented side to the crown this team around or will they bear the ignominy once again and finish in their customary fourth position in the standings. What should be Arsenal’s realistic expectations in the 2014-15 season? We here at Soccersouls take a look at the potential Arsenal lineup for the 2014 season.
Goalkeeping:
David Ospina for £3m certainly seems to be a steal for Arsenal. The Colombian dazzled in the World Cup and as he showed is an excellent shot stopper and his distribution too would be an upgrade from Wojciech Szczesny. It was surprising to see that none of the other Premier League clubs have gone for Ospina who was available for the cheap. Moreover, it is believed that the Gunners want to add another goalkeeper and Spanish daily El Confidencial reported that Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas already has an offer from the Gunners. Would this mean that Wenger is realistically planning to replace Szczesny?
Defenders:
With Bacary Sagna leaving the Emirates, Mathieu Debuchy’s signing certainly looks to be yet another terrific buy from Wenger. The Frenchman is a lot more defensively compact and also provides better attacking prowess compared to Sagna’s ineffectiveness in darting forward and overlapping wingers up front. Kieran Gibbs should be the first choice left back for the London side with Nacho Monreal being targeted by La Liga winners Atletico Madrid.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were fantastic last season and should again be able to soothe Wenger’s frowns. With Thomas Vermalen looks likely to be shipped out to arch rivals Manchester United, Wenger would be well off to sign yet another central defender to add a vital backup in the backline with multiple competitions to feature. Wenger would also have to keep a keen eye to keep his players fresh with weekly assignments in the Champions League and domestic competitions to feature in.
Midfield:
A central defensive midfielder remains the priority for Wenger and after Sami Khedira’s proposed move fell through thanks to his excessive wage demands, Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender and Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin looks more feasible. Aaron Ramsey’s fitness will be the biggest concern as the Welshman was simply sensational last season. Santi Cazorla should start out wide on the left while Mesut Ozil’s should play in a more central role with new signing Alexis Sanchez on the right wing. Jack Wilshere’s position is yet to be decided but its the plethora of options in the middle of the park that will give Wenger a soothing headache.
Strikeforce:
Arsenal’s need for a striker is well documented with Wenger agreeing that he needs a world class finisher who can take the pressure off Olivier Giroud up front. The Gunners were linked to Mario Mandzukic earlier in the summer, but the Croatian ultimately signed for La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid. Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to London over the past few weeks but a break through is yet to be made. The inability to sign a recognized striker will certainly be a failure for Wenger. With the club featuring in multiple cup competitions, Theo Walcott can also be considered to play as the false nine, or rather as the farthest man forward along with Sanchez.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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