Arsenal Take On Wolves in Pivotal Premier League Clash

The stage is set for a intriguing Premier League matchup as table-toppers the Gunners host struggling Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have opted for a trio of alterations following the team that suffered a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the starting eleven. The captain and Mikel Merino drop to the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba is back after sitting out five matches through injury.

Wolves also have made three adjustments to their lineup after being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward are recalled. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon 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.
Bench: 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.

Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! Because, let's be honest …

The table paints a striking contrast. Arsenal sit proudly at the top of the table, while Wolves prop up the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have faced the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – who are behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolves, of course! So while Mikel Arteta will surely be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!

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