The Gunners Face Wolves in Pivotal English Top Division Fixture
The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League contest as table-toppers the Gunners welcome rock-bottom Wolves to the their home ground.
Starting Lineups
Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations following the XI that suffered a narrow defeat at Aston Villa in their previous outing. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger are all included in the lineup. The captain and the Spanish midfielder are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.
The visitors also make three changes to their starting XI after being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward 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.
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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks
Preamble
Welcome! Because, let's be honest …
The standings paints a stark contrast. Arsenal sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League, while Wolves anchor the league.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have taken on the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and you never know. The start is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. The action is imminent!
(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)