Arsenal Face Wolves in Key Top-Flight Clash
The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League contest as table-toppers Arsenal host rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.
Team News
Mikel Arteta's side have made three changes from the team that endured a narrow defeat at Aston Villa in their previous outing. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger are all included in the lineup. The captain and the Spanish midfielder are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. Saliba returns after sitting out a run of games due to injury.
The visitors also make three adjustments to their lineup after being heavily defeated 4-1 at home by Manchester United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan are recalled. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias drop to 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Referee: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks
Preamble
Good evening! And I mean, c’mon …
The standings reveals a clear contrast. Arsenal sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the table, while Wolves anchor the league.
… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have taken on the side propping up the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolves, that’s who! So while Mikel Arteta will surely be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally find the target, 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’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)
