🔗 Share this article

The stage is set for a compelling top-flight matchup as table-toppers the Gunners entertain struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations from the XI that suffered a narrow loss at Villa Park in their previous outing. The French defender, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger all come into the lineup. The captain and Mikel Merino are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. The centre-back is back after sitting out five matches through injury.

Wolves also make three changes to their lineup after being skelped 4-1 at home by United last time out. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and the South Korean forward are recalled. Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Bellegarde is not in the squad 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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Match Official: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! Because, c’mon …

The table paints a clear contrast. The hosts sit proudly at the summit of the Premier League, while their opponents occupy the bottom of the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have played the side propping up the entire table – with 30 out of 41, with seven draws – which team is responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Indeed, Wolves, that’s who! So while the Arsenal manager will surely be expecting another victory, the Wolves boss must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The other two last-over-first wins in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – yeah, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}