Arsenal Take On Wolverhampton Wanderers in Key English Top Division Clash
The stage is set for a compelling top-flight matchup as league leaders the Gunners host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.
Confirmed Sides
Mikel Arteta's side have opted for a trio of alterations from the side that endured a narrow defeat at Villa Park last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger all start in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is absent. Saliba is back after missing a run of games through injury.
Wolves also make three changes to their starting XI following being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by Manchester United last time out. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad 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.
Match Official: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks
The Setup
Good evening! And I mean, let's be honest …
The table reveals a clear picture. Arsenal sit proudly at the top of the Premier League, while Wolves prop up the division.
… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have faced the side at the foot of the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolves, of course! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes succeed, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!
(The other two bottom-beats-top wins in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)