Arsenal Face Wolverhampton Wanderers in Key English Top Division Clash

Focus shifts for a compelling top-flight matchup as league leaders Arsenal entertain rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Arsenal have made three changes from the side that endured a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger all start in the lineup. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder drop to the substitutes' bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. The centre-back 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 last time out. Matt Doherty, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

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.
Bench: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

The Setup

Welcome! And I mean, let's be honest …

The standings paints a stark contrast. The hosts sit proudly at the top of the table, while Wolves prop up the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd time the Premier League leaders have taken on the side at the foot of the division – winning 30 out of 41, with seven draws – who are behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! So while the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes come off, and anything is possible. The start is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

(The remaining last-over-first victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, a surprising one - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)

Anna White
Anna White

Elara is a historian and writer passionate about uncovering forgotten tales and sharing cultural heritage through engaging blog posts.