The Gunners Take On Wolverhampton Wanderers in Key Top-Flight Encounter
The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight matchup as league leaders Arsenal welcome rock-bottom Wolves to the their home ground.
Confirmed Sides
Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations following the XI that suffered a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the lineup. The captain and Mikel Merino are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba is back after missing a run of games due to injury.
The visitors also have made three changes to their starting XI after being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan are recalled. Hoever and Jhon Arias drop to the bench, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.
Starting Elevens
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Bench: 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.
Bench: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks
Match Context
Welcome! And I mean, let's be honest …
The table paints a striking story. Arsenal sit comfortably at the summit of the Premier League, while Wolves prop up the league.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the team propping up the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolves, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs occasionally succeed, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. Let's go!
(The other two bottom-beats-top victories in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)
