The Gunners Take On Wolves in Crucial Top-Flight Encounter
All eyes turn for a intriguing Premier League contest as league leaders Arsenal host rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.
Confirmed Sides
Arsenal have introduced three changes from the side that suffered a narrow loss at Aston Villa in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger all come into the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino drop to the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. The centre-back is back after sitting out a run of games through injury.
Wolves also have made three changes to their lineup following being heavily defeated 4-1 at home by United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan start. Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is omitted altogether.
Starting Elevens
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: 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.
Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
Match Context
Good evening! Because, c’mon …
The table reveals a stark contrast. The hosts sit proudly at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves anchor the league.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the team at the foot of the division – with 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – who are behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolves, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another victory, the Wolves boss must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and you never know. The start is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!
(The other two last-over-first victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)