We bring the team news as Arsenal travel to Molineux stadium to face a Wolverhampton side, win-less in four games as the Gunners look to enter the World Cup break on top of the league. The Gunners were knocked out from the EFL Cup mid-week, having lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion while Wolves overcame Leeds United to progress to the last 16.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men have looked comfortable in the Premier League with a 1-0 win last time against Chelsea in the London derby. With Julen Lopetegui announced as the new manager for Wolves post-World Cup break, this will be the last chance for Steve Davis to leave his caretaker position on a high note. Wolves are struggling in front of the goal outside of Ruben Neves’s stunners.
Going out of the EFL Cup might be a blessing for the Gunners who have their priority set on winning the Premier League under Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has won six and drawn one of his last seven Premier League games and the points dropped have been away this season. Despite the dropped points, Arsenal still boast the best defensive record with only four goals conceded on the road.
Wolves fans will remember Arsenal’s celebrations when they won 1-0 at Molineux last season and will want sweet revenge this time around. Arsenal even won the reverse fixture at the Emirates with a late 2-1 win as they are aiming to score against Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 30th match in a row.
Injury/Suspension List:
Arsenal are only missing Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe who are still dealing with their injuries in the treatment room. Smith Rowe is not expected to return to training for another few weeks. Tomiyasu has a minor muscular problem and is being rested to represent Japan in the World Cup.
The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will return to the attacking third, although Jesus and Saliba are likely to miss the next PL fixture with West Ham United if they are booked here.
Arsenal have painful memories of Diego Costa during his time at Chelsea and will be glad to see that the Wolves striker will serve the final game of his suspension this weekend. Nelson Semedo is back from his ban after his red card against Brighton and Jonny Otto who is integral to the Wolves side is also back from his hamstring strain.
Sasa Kalajdzic, Chiquinho, Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez are all out of contention for this game. Matheus Nunes should be back if he can solve his shoulder problem in time for the lineups. Tote Gomes should be back as a backup for Max Kilman and Nathan Collins. Boubacar Traore who scored in the midweek should get a nod in the starting eleven with Jose Sa back in the goal.
Player To Watch Out For – Ruben Neves
Key to any footballing side is a strong midfield. Ruben Neves’s performances under Bruno Lage last season have won him many admirers. Wolves operate in a 3-4-3 formation and Neves is integral in playing multiple roles depending on the situation of the game.
The playmaker has made his defensive actions higher up the pitch than before, completing a similar number of tackles in the final third as he did in the whole of 2018-19 in just the first half. His pressing frequency has increased drastically allowing quick counter-attacks for the attackers.
He has been known for his hold-up play but this season, he is attempting more dribbles and making more touches in the final third. Since he arrived in English football 4 years back, Neves has become a defensive screener and playmaker. He maintains the threat with his long-range goals as a box-to-box threat.
Arsenal Form:
WWWDWW
Wolves Form:
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Arsenal Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Aaron Ramsdale (GK); Ben White (RB), William Saliba (CB), Gabriel (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB); Granit Xhaka (CM), Thomas Partey (CM); Bukayo Saka (RW), Martin Odegaard (CAM), Gabriel Martinelli (LW); Gabriel Jesus (ST).
Predicted Score:
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1- 1 Arsenal
It would be foolish to bet against Arsenal, but the stubborn Wolverhampton defence always seems to cause problems for the visiting team. With last time’s close victories falling to the Gunners, the luck might favour Wolves this time with a late goal from Neves to cancel out Jesus’ opener to dent Arsenal’s title hopes.
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