🔗 Share this article

The stage is set for a compelling Premier League contest as table-toppers the Gunners welcome struggling Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Starting Lineups

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations following the team that suffered a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. The French defender, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger are all included in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.

Wolves also have made three adjustments to their starting XI after being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the bench, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Bench: 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

The Setup

Good evening! Because, let's be honest …

The standings reveals a stark picture. Arsenal sit proudly at the top of the Premier League, while their opponents prop up the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the top side have played the team propping up the entire table – with 30 out of 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally come off, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

^{(The other two last-over-first wins in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}