The Gunners Host Wolverhampton Wanderers in Crucial Top-Flight Clash

The stage is set for a fascinating top-flight contest as front-runners the Gunners entertain struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes from the team that endured a narrow loss at Villa Park last weekend. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the starting eleven. The captain and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is absent. The centre-back is back after missing five matches through injury.

The visitors also make three changes to their lineup after being skelped 4-1 at Molineux by United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan are recalled. Hoever and Arias drop to the bench, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

The Teams in Full

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: 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
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Welcome! And I mean, c’mon …

The table reveals a clear picture. The hosts sit comfortably at the top of the table, while their opponents prop up the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the team propping up the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolves, that’s who! So while Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be expecting another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally find the target, 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’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)

John Stewart
John Stewart

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger passionate about sharing insights on innovation and well-being.