🔗 Share this article

The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League contest as front-runners Arsenal host rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes from the team that endured a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in their previous outing. The French defender, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger all come into the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. Saliba returns after sitting out five matches through injury.

Wolves also make three changes to their lineup after being heavily defeated 4-1 at home by Manchester United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward start. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.

The Teams in Full

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
VAR Official: John Brooks

Match Context

Welcome! And I mean, let's be honest …

The standings reveals a stark picture. Arsenal sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League, while Wolves occupy the bottom of the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have taken on the team propping up the division – with 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally find the target, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!

^{(The remaining bottom-beats-top wins in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}