Arsenal
What can Gooners expect ahead of Montpellier clash?
So, it’s been sixteen years and two days since the English newspapers were headlined by an unknown French manager who was appointed as Arsenal’s manager. Since his appointment, Arsenal have qualified for Champions League for fifteen consecutive years. They hold a record for most consecutive Champions League qualifications just below Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Preview
The Gunners are drawn along with Bundesliga club Schalke 04 , Greek giants Olympiacos and French Lique 1 winners Montpellier. Arsenal are expected to top the group. Arsenal kick off their 2012/13 Champions League campaign on Tuesday as they travel to Stade de la Mosson to face French Champions Montpellier.
Montpellier suffered a 3-1 defeat against newly promoted Reims which leaves them 16th in Ligue 1 with only one win from their five games. But Montpellier could not be taken just like that as they outwitted Paris Saint Germain to go on two win the League.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their four Premier League games which includes a 2-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield and 6-1 victory over Southampton at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal’s shooting accuracy have become sharp in the last two matches as Arsenal’s average shooting accuracy was just 19% in the first two matches. But Arsenal managed a shooting accuracy of more than 50% in the past two games.
Montpellier were just an in and out team in the French League before they were fortunate to find an awesome manager in Rene Girard. John Utaka, Younes Belhanda and Yapou Manga-Mbwia are the players to watch out for in the French side while Santi Cazorla, Lukas Podolski and Gervinho are expected to fire for the Gunners. Questions circulate around Olivier Giroud as the former Montpellier has failed to score in the opening four matches of the League. It would not be tough for a player to score on the French soil who netted 21 times in his final season for Montpellier.
Giroud Interview
Olivier Giroud admits it will be “special” to face his former club Montpellier on Tuesday night.
To return to Montpellier is very special because I spent two very happy years there which were fantastic.
Giroud said,
Montpellier is a family club and I left a lot of friends behind – everybody who works at the club and the players. I want to score in every match, but if I score against Montpellier I will keep the celebration small. That is normal for anybody, for the club and Montpellier fans. It will be out of my respect to my old club.
Giroud added,I spent a beautiful, wonderful season there last year when we were champions and won the title. It was a fantastic achievement for Montpellier to win the French championship and there was a lot of emotion when we won.
Team News
Montpellier Probables : Jourden
Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo
Utaka, Cabella, Belhanda, Estrada, Ait-Fana
Herrera.
Arsenal Probables :
Mannone
Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs
Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla
Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Podolski.
Montpellier coach Rene Girard will welcome back both Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Remy Cabella after resting them at the weekend during their defeat to newly-promoted Stade Reims.
There are still concerns over Olivier Giroud’s replacement in the side,though, with Emmanuel Herrera struggling for form which has contributed to their slow start to the season.
Arsene Wenger will have to monitor whether Theo Walcott has recovered fully from the effects of a virus and if Abou Diaby has got over his small muscle injury sustained on international duty with France. Elsewhere, Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky, Lukasz Fabianski and Emmanuel Frimpong are set to miss the trip.
Things You Must Know Before The Clash
* Olivier Giroud was the club’s top goalscorer last season with 21 League goals as he spearheaded their attack on their way to the Ligue 1 title.
* This is the club’s first ever game in the Champions League.
* They have scored 49 goals in UEFA competitions in the past.
* Arsenal have now qualified for the Champions League group stages for 15 seasons in a row.
* This is the first time that the two clubs have ever met in a competitive fixture.
* Arsene Wenger’s side have a good record against French clubs in European competition, having won five and drawn three in the past.
* However, they have won just two of their last 12 games away in Europe, losing eight of those fixtures.
Prediction
Montpellier 0-3 Arsenal. I predict Olivier Giroud to score a brace if he starts. Yes, the 6ft 3in guy has the quality.
Follow us on twitter @SoccerSouls for more news and updates.
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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