🔗 Share this article

Focus shifts for a compelling Premier League matchup as table-toppers Arsenal host struggling Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Arsenal have made a trio of alterations from the XI that suffered a 2-1 loss at Villa Park in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli all come into the starting eleven. The captain and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is absent. The centre-back is back after missing five matches due to injury.

The visitors also have made three adjustments to their lineup after being skelped 4-1 at home by United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward are recalled. 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! Because, let's be honest …

The standings tells a stark picture. Arsenal sit comfortably at the top of the table, while Wolves anchor the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the side propping up the division – with 30 out of 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and anything is possible. The start is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!

^{(The other two bottom-beats-top victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}