Arsenal Face Wolves in Pivotal English Top Division Clash

The stage is set for a compelling Premier League contest as league leaders Arsenal entertain rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes following the team that suffered a narrow defeat at Aston Villa in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the substitutes' bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. Saliba is back after missing five matches due to injury.

Wolves also have made three adjustments to their starting XI following being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward come in. Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while 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.
Substitutes: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! And I mean, c’mon …

The table reveals a striking picture. The hosts sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League, while Wolves occupy the bottom of the division.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have played the team propping up the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – who are behind two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! So while Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs occasionally come off, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – yeah, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)

Isaiah Anderson
Isaiah Anderson

A certified meditation instructor and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in mindfulness practices.