The Gunners Face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Key Premier League Encounter

The stage is set for a intriguing Premier League matchup as front-runners Arsenal host struggling Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations from the team that endured a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.

The visitors also make three adjustments to their starting XI after being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias drop to the bench, while Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

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, look at this …

The standings reveals a stark picture. The hosts sit proudly at the summit of the table, while Wolves anchor the division.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the team at the foot of the division – with 30 out of 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes find the target, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

^{(The other two bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}