Arsenal vs. Wolves: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Score808 - Arsenal is set to welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium this Saturday evening in a fixture that, on paper, appears to be one of the most straightforward of their Premier League campaign. The league leaders, currently holding a fragile two-point advantage at the summit, are aiming for a crucial victory to maintain their title charge against a struggling Wolves side rooted firmly at the bottom of the table.
The Gunners head into the match following a mixed week of results. A narrow, late 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend threatened to derail their momentum, but Mikel Arteta’s squad issued a swift and emphatic response in the Champions League, securing a dominant 3-0 away win against Club Brugge. Stunning goals from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli highlighted their perfect continental form, a confidence boost they will look to translate back to domestic duties.
Everything points towards an Arsenal win, particularly given their recent history against the Old Gold; the North London club has won their last eight consecutive meetings against Wolves.
For Rob Edwards's Wolves, the situation is increasingly dire. Having amassed a mere two points this season, they are winless and appear disconnected from the safety zone, already sitting 13 points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. The team is currently on a run of nine straight losses across all competitions and is desperately trying to avoid replicating Sheffield United’s unwanted Premier League record of a 17-match winless start to a season. Their struggle is compounded by a poor offensive record, having scored only eight goals so far, contrasting sharply with Arsenal's league-best defense that has conceded just nine times.
Team News
Arteta faces selection headaches with a quartet of key players—William Saliba, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and Jurriën Timber—all doubts. Midfielder Declan Rice, absent midweek due to illness, is anticipated to return, which would be a huge boost. However, the defense is thin, with Saliba a major absentee and Riccardo Calafiori suspended. The return of striker Gabriel Jesus, who played against Club Brugge, provides a welcome option up front, potentially allowing a rest for other key attackers like Bukayo Saka.
Wolves are missing several players, including key midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who is sidelined for at least six weeks. The welcome return of Brazilian midfielder João Gomes from suspension will shore up the center of the park, though the overall quality and depth of the squad remain significant concerns.
Given the gulf in class, form, and tactical execution, this match is Arsenal's to lose. The quality of depth and the need to consolidate their top spot should see the Gunners overwhelm the league's worst defense. A clean sheet and multiple goals for the home side are the most likely outcomes.
Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze.
Wolves predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Johnstone; Krejči, Agbadou, Toti; Hoever, André, J. Gomes, Møller Woilfe; Arias, López; Strand Larsen.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 3–0 Wolves