🔗 Share this article

The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight contest as league leaders Arsenal host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Starting Lineups

Mikel Arteta's side have made three changes following the team that endured a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the lineup. The captain and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. Saliba is back after sitting out a run of games through injury.

The visitors also make three changes to their starting XI after being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Hoever and Jhon Arias drop to the substitutes, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

Starting Elevens

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.

Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Match Context

Welcome! Because, look at this …

The table paints a clear story. Arsenal sit proudly at the summit of the table, while their opponents occupy the bottom of the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the side propping up the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven draws – who are responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolves, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be expecting another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes find the target, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The remaining last-over-first wins in the modern top-flight era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – yeah, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}