Arsenal Take On Wolves in Crucial Premier League Clash

All eyes turn for a intriguing top-flight matchup as front-runners Arsenal welcome rock-bottom Wolves to the their home ground.

Confirmed Sides

Arsenal have made a trio of alterations from the XI that suffered a narrow defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is absent. The centre-back is back after sitting out five matches through injury.

Wolves also make three adjustments to their lineup following being heavily defeated 4-1 at home by United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan start. Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.

Starting Elevens

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

Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Match Context

Good evening! Because, let's be honest …

The table tells a striking picture. The hosts sit proudly at the top of the table, while Wolves prop up the division.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the top side have taken on the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! So while the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes come off, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the Premier League era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}