Arsenal Face Wolves in Pivotal Premier League Encounter

All eyes turn for a compelling Premier League matchup as table-toppers the Gunners host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Arsenal have introduced a trio of alterations from the side that endured a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all come into the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.

Wolves 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 come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde misses out 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
VAR Official: John Brooks

The Setup

Good evening! Because, let's be honest …

The table reveals a clear contrast. Arsenal sit comfortably at the summit of the table, while Wolves prop up the division.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the team propping up the entire table – with 30 out of 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be expecting another three points, the Wolves boss must know that underdogs occasionally come off, 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 United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}