Arsenal Face Wolves in Pivotal Top-Flight Clash

Focus shifts for a intriguing top-flight contest as table-toppers the Gunners welcome struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes from 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. The captain and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. The centre-back is back after missing five matches through injury.

The visitors also make three adjustments to their lineup following being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Hoever and Arias drop to the substitutes, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Welcome! Because, c’mon …

The table reveals a stark story. Arsenal sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while their opponents anchor the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the top side have played the side at the foot of the division – winning 30 out of 41, with seven draws – who are responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolves, of course! So while the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes succeed, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!

^{(The other two bottom-beats-top wins in the Premier League era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}