The Gunners Take On Wolves in Pivotal English Top Division Encounter

Focus shifts for a compelling top-flight matchup as front-runners Arsenal host bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.

Starting Lineups

Arsenal have introduced a trio of alterations following the side that endured a 2-1 loss at Villa Park in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. The centre-back is back after sitting out five matches due to injury.

Wolves also make three adjustments to their starting XI following being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias drop to the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad 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
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! Because, c’mon …

The standings reveals a striking contrast. Arsenal sit comfortably at the summit of the table, while their opponents prop up the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the side propping up the division – with 30 out of 41, with seven draws – who are responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! So while the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be expecting another three points, the Wolves boss must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and you never know. The start is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!

^{(The other two last-over-first wins in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}