The Gunners Face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Pivotal English Top Division Encounter
The stage is set for a intriguing Premier League matchup as league leaders Arsenal host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.
Starting Lineups
Mikel Arteta's side have made three changes from the XI that suffered a narrow defeat at Villa Park in their previous outing. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all come into the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the substitutes' bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. Saliba is back after sitting out five matches due to injury.
Wolves also have made three adjustments to their starting XI following being heavily defeated 4-1 at home by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward start. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Bellegarde is not in the squad 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
The Setup
Welcome! Because, let's be honest …
The table paints a stark contrast. The hosts sit comfortably at the summit of the table, while Wolves occupy the bottom of the league.
… yet while this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 out of 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes come off, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!
(The remaining bottom-beats-top wins in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – yeah, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)