Arsenal will look to go into the World Cup hiatus at the summit of the Premier League when they head to Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their two-point lead at the top of the table with a crucial 1-0 away win over Chelsea last weekend, courtesy of a second-half strike from Gabriel Magalhaes. However, they were dumped out of the EFL Cup in midweek by Brighton, who registered a shock 3-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
So, Arteta will expect a riposte from the Gunners at Wolves, who come into this fixture off the back of a 1-0 success over Leeds United in the EFL Cup.
Arsenal Team News
Fabio Vieira went down in the first half against Brighton in the EFL Cup but was able to continue before being substituted in the 72nd minute. He should be fine to face Wolves.
Takehiro Tomiyasu will be assessed ahead of the game to see if he can play any part at Molineux after limping off against FC Zurich last week with a muscle issue.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale should return in between the sticks after being rested in the midweek cup tie with Brighton. The Englishman has done well this season and will hope to keep a clean sheet against Wolves.
Defence
Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, William Saliba will resume his centre-back duties alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the backline in the Arsenal lineup.
Arsenal’s problems at full-back have eased due to Oleksandr Zinchenko returning to full fitness. Zinchenko is due to start at Wolves after being rested on Wednesday and Ben White, who has been a permanent fixture at the back this season, should play at right-back again in the Arsenal lineup.
Rob Holding, Kieran Tierney and Cedric Soares should offer cover for the defensive positions from the bench.
Midfield
Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard will make up Arsenal’s engine room against Wolves. Partey will operate alongside Xhaka in the double pivot in the Arsenal lineup, hoping to dominate the ball in the centre of the park and manufacture clear-cut chances to win this clash away from home.
Odegaard, functioning as the No.10, will look to take up smart positions from where he can hurt Wolves. His incisive passing, movement and vision could play a key role in breaching the Wolves defence.
Attack
Gabriel Martinelli will try to put his pace and creativity to good use on the left flank in the Arsenal lineup while Bukayo Saka will be expected to enjoy a productive evening on the right at Molineux.
Gabriel Jesus is a shoo-in to lead the attack for the Gunners. The Brazilian has to find a way to get himself on the scoresheet and make a real difference against Wolves this weekend.
Eddie Nketiah should be available for selection on the bench as he waits for his chance to make an impact in the second half if required.
