Arsenal Face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Crucial English Top Division Encounter
The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League matchup as table-toppers the Gunners entertain bottom-placed Wolves to the their home ground.
Confirmed Sides
Mikel Arteta's side have opted for three changes following the XI that endured a narrow defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all come into the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. The centre-back is back after sitting out a run of games due to injury.
Wolves also make three changes to their lineup after being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.
The Teams in Full
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.
Substitutes: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
Preamble
Good evening! Because, c’mon …
The standings paints a stark contrast. Arsenal sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves prop up the league.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the side at the foot of the entire table – with 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! So while the Arsenal manager will surely be expecting another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs occasionally succeed, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!
(The remaining last-over-first victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – yeah, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)