The Gunners Host Wolverhampton Wanderers in Crucial English Top Division Fixture
The stage is set for a compelling top-flight contest as table-toppers Arsenal entertain rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.
Starting Lineups
Arsenal have made three changes following the team that suffered a 2-1 loss at Villa Park in their previous outing. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger all start in the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after missing five matches through injury.
Wolves also make three changes to their starting XI after being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias drop to the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde misses out 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.
Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
Preamble
Good evening! And I mean, let's be honest …
The standings paints a striking picture. The hosts sit proudly at the top of the Premier League, while Wolves anchor the division.
… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have played the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes succeed, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!
(The remaining last-over-first victories in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – yeah, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)