Arsenal Take On Wolverhampton Wanderers in Pivotal Premier League Encounter

Focus shifts for a compelling Premier League contest as table-toppers Arsenal entertain bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have opted for three changes following the side that endured a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger all come into the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is absent. The centre-back is back after missing a run of games through injury.

Wolves also make three adjustments to their lineup after being skelped 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde misses out 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

The Setup

Good evening! And I mean, c’mon …

The table paints a clear picture. Arsenal sit proudly at the top of the Premier League, while their opponents occupy the bottom of the division.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have faced the side propping up the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolves, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be expecting another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes find the target, and anything is possible. The start is at 8pm GMT. It’s on!

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