Arsenal goes up against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday and already it feels like a ‘six-pointer’. A draw isn’t good enough for either side, but a win will close the gap in the final chase with Wolves currently in a better position than the Gunners by six points.
Wolves are only three points away from Leicester at sixth, with Brendan Rogers’ side in the middle of a slump. The enthusiastic Nuno Espírito Santo will want his side to put Arsenal to the sword. Wolves are very capable of doing so with an organised, well-drilled defence, a creative midfield, and goals from across the pitch.
Arsenal will have to maintain their focus, discipline, and concentration for an intense battle where they may spend periods camped in their half. I’m predicting that Arteta won’t make too many changes.
Emiliano Martinez will continue in goal with his good form and the boss will certainly fly with a back three, which will probably be comprised of Mustafi, Holding, and Luiz. Kolasinac has shown that he can be panicked in his own area and can provide the odd gift to the opposition.
The middle virtually picks itself with Xhaka’s return to form and Ceballos looking a far better player than he was in his arrival. This is the ideal occasion for the Spaniard to turn it on and show prospective clubs that he has the talent to go with the billing. There’s no doubt he has the ability, but he needs to be key to Arsenal in the run-in and take charge of the middle.
On the flanks, it is a go for Cedric Soares after his wonder goal against Norwich and insists on another outing for Kieran Tierney, who is a hell of a player.
Upfront, Pepe, and Saka, who recently signed a contract extension, are my preferred options with both prospering under Arteta and finally, I’d put the prowling and instinctive predator in the form of Aubameyang in the striker’s role with the instruction to roam free like Thierry Henry used to do.
I can’t make a case for Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Joe Willock, but I’m sure that Eddie Nketiah will feature at some stage.
Alexandre Lacazette continues to struggle to the point where he can’t buy a goal and although he is still an influence in the build-up, he is a striker without the goals. We could refer to him as Alexandre ‘Laca net’ if you prefer and in the final analysis, if you had to keep one of the two big names in the summer, he’ll almost certainly be on his way out.
The key Wolves players to watch consist of the usual suspects – Traoré and Jiménez upfront, Neves and Dendoncker in the middle and Coady and Bolly in defence, if fit. Arsenal would do well to make it tight in the first 45, perhaps 0-0, and come out after the break with the odd substitution to change the mindset.
Arsenal are gradually creeping up the table and another quick fire win over the Wolves at their backyard is absolutely essential for their European pursuits. Major bookmakers like online casinos usa are gradually starting to offer better and significant odds for Arsenal finishing within the European spots this season and another vital step towards that will be a win tonight.
READ MORE:
Saka Finally Signs an Extension Deal to Stay at Arsenal After Interest From Several Clubs
So, the score, what’s it going to be? I’m predicting 1-2 to Arsenal in a well-fought contest against Wolves that is brimming with talking points and incidents. Of course, the smart money is on a draw but I just can’t help myself after seeing that last performance against Norwich and watching Spurs lose to Sheffield United.
Key Arsenal players: Martinez , Saka, Pepe and Aubameyang.
Predicted Team for the Wolves vs Arsenal Game:
Martinez; Mustafi, Holding, Luiz, Soares; Xhaka, Ceballos, Tierney, Pepe, Saka; Aubameyang.
