Arsenal Take On Wolverhampton Wanderers in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture
All eyes turn for a intriguing Premier League contest as front-runners the Gunners host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.
Team News
Mikel Arteta's side have made three changes from the team that endured a narrow loss at Villa Park last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger are all included in the starting eleven. The captain and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.
Wolves also have made three adjustments to their lineup following being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan are recalled. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.
Confirmed Lineups
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes, Doherty, Joao Gomes, Andre Trindade, Krejci, Wolfe, Larsen, Hwang.
Substitutes: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Match Official: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
The Setup
Good evening! Because, c’mon …
The standings reveals a clear story. The hosts sit proudly at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves prop up the league.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have faced the side propping up the division – with 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another victory, the Wolves boss must know that underdogs sometimes come off, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!
(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)
