Wolves will be aiming to make it four Premier League wins on the bounce when they play host to Arsenal on Thursday at the Molineux Stadium.
The Wanderers have gone from strength to strength under Bruno Lage and are in a great run of form of late, winning four out of their last five league games. They beat Brentford 2-1 in their last league outing, and a win on Thursday would take them over the Gunners in sixth.
Arsenal, meanwhile, had a forgettable January as they failed to register a single win in all competitions.
The north Londoners, who are on a two-game winless run in the Premier League, would go level on points with fifth-place Manchester United should they win at Wolves.
Wolves vs Arsenal – Team News
Wolves
Wolves boss Bruno Lage has confirmed Francisco Trincao and Hwang Hee-chan have returned to training ahead of the crucial game against Arsenal. Romain Saiss has also returned to the fold.
Meanwhile, Pedro Neto, Willy Boly, Yerson Mosquera and Jonny Castro remain out.
Jose Sa is the undisputed first-choice in goal for Bruno Lage’s side. As Romain Saiss is available, he will partner Max Kilman and Conor Coady in central defence, as the three-man Wolves backline look to earn a clean sheet against Arsenal.
Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho will form a double-pivot in the middle of the park, with Nelson Semedo and Marcal operating as wing-backs. Francisco Trincao, if fully fit to start the game, will partner Daniel Podence and Raul Jimenez in a dangerous looking Wolves attack.
Arsenal
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been struggling with a calf injury in recent weeks and remains doubtful to face Wolves. Cedric Soares has returned to training after recovering from a knock suffered in the EFL Cup semi-finals’ first-leg against Liverpool and will likely be available for selection, whereas Mohamed Elneny has joined the Arsenal squad after the completion of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are also available for selection after serving their respective bans.
🚨 𝗠 𝗔 𝗧 𝗖 𝗛 𝗗 𝗔 𝗬
🆚 Wolves
🏟 Molineux
🗓 February 10
🕗 7.45pm (UK)#WOLARS pic.twitter.com/ePuAnM2i9P— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 10, 2022
Aaron Ramsdale will keep his place in goal at the Molineux. Takehiro Tomiyasu, if available and fully fit to play, should start at right-back, with Kieran Tierney operating from the other side of the defence. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes will occupy their places in central defence.
In midfield, both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are back in contention after serving their respective suspensions. Martin Odegaard will function as the link between the midfield and attack, providing creativity and energy to Arteta’s side.
Alexandre Lacazette remains a favourite to spearhead the Gunners attack. The Frenchman, who is also the club’s captain, will hope he gets sufficient service in the box from wide attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Wolves vs Arsenal – Predicted Lineups
Wolves Predicted Lineup (3-4-3): Jose Sa; Max Kilman, Conor Coady, Romain Saiss; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Marcal; Francisco Trincao, Raul Jimenez, Daniel Podence
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Alexandre Lacazette
Wolves vs Arsenal – Key Players
Wolves—Daniel Podence
Daniel Podence may have managed only two assists in the league this season but his importance to this Wolves side is way beyond that. The diminutive Portuguese attacker likes to exploit pockets of spaces left by the opposition and create openings for his teammates with his incisive passing ability. Thus, one cannot doubt his ability to put in a big performance against Arsenal.
Arsenal—Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli had a superb December, playing with a lot of swagger and ripping apart defences with his pace, vision and flair. After a half-decent January, the nippy Brazilian will look to get back his scoring touch and help Arteta’s side earn all three points. His performance could go a long way in helping the Gunners beat Wolves at Molineux.
Prediction: Wolves 2-1 Arsenal