The Gunners Host Wolves in Crucial Premier League Encounter
The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight matchup as table-toppers the Gunners host rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.
Team News
Mikel Arteta's side have opted for three changes following the side that endured a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger all come into the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. Saliba is back after missing five matches due to injury.
Wolves also have made three changes to their starting XI following being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan start. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias drop to the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is omitted altogether.
Starting Elevens
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
VAR Official: John Brooks
Match Context
Good evening! Because, let's be honest …
The standings paints a striking picture. Arsenal sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League, while Wolves occupy the bottom of the division.
… yet while 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 draws – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be anticipating another three points, the Wolves boss must know that long shots occasionally find the target, and you never know. The start is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!
(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)
