Arsenal Host Wolves in Pivotal Premier League Encounter

The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League matchup as league leaders the Gunners welcome struggling Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes from the team that suffered a narrow loss at Villa Park in their previous outing. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the lineup. The captain and Mikel Merino drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches due to injury.

Wolves also have made three changes to their starting XI following being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by Manchester United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, João Gomes and the South Korean forward come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias drop to the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is omitted altogether.

Starting Elevens

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.
Substitutes: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Match Official: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! And I mean, look at this …

The standings reveals a striking story. The hosts sit proudly at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves prop up the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have faced the side at the foot of the entire table – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – who are behind two of the four all-time upsets? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes succeed, and anything is possible. The start is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

^{(The remaining last-over-first wins in the Premier League era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}