In an exhilarating display of skill, Arsenal secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a dominant victory over Lens.
Now, they turn their attention back to the Premier League as they prepare to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Match Preview
Arsenal’s 6-0 thrashing of Lens showcased the attacking prowess of Mikel Arteta’s side. After suffering their first defeat of the season against Lens earlier in October, revenge was sweet as they unleashed six goals in a merciless first-half mauling.
The win ensured Arsenal finished at the top of their European group and qualified for the knockout stages.
However, Arteta remains focused on their Premier League campaign, where they currently hold the top spot.
Prior to their triumph against Lens, Arsenal claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over local rivals Brentford, thanks to Kai Havertz’s first goal from open play in 31 games.
With Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa hot on their heels, Arsenal knows the importance of maintaining their form. They boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 10 goals so far.
The victory against Lens marked Arsenal’s fourth consecutive win in all competitions. They have yet to taste defeat at Emirates Stadium in the 2023-24 season.
In fact, they have the opportunity to equal a club record by scoring in 32 consecutive games against a single opponent, as they have not been shut out by Wolverhampton Wanderers since 1979.
While Arsenal celebrates their European success, Wolves had a bitter taste in their mouths after a controversial defeat to Fulham.
Referee decisions fueled frustration for manager Gary O’Neil, who felt his team was on the receiving end of incorrect calls.
Despite these setbacks, Wolves find themselves comfortably positioned in mid-table, with a 10-point buffer from the relegation zone.
Wolves have shown their attacking prowess by finding the back of the net in each of their last 12 Premier League games.
However, their defensive line has been breached in 11 of those matches. Arsenal, on the other hand, holds a strong record against Wolves, winning their last four Premier League encounters.
In their previous season’s fixture, Arsenal handed Wolves a devastating 5-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium.
Team News:
Arsenal will be without playmaker Fabio Vieira, who is recovering from a groin operation and is expected to be out for several weeks.
Long-term absentees Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jurrien Timber continue their rehabilitation.
However, there are no fresh injury concerns for Arteta’s side.
Wolves, on the other hand, suffered a blow when left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri sustained a sprained ankle. His involvement in the upcoming match is doubtful, with Hugo Bueno, Jonny Otto, and Matt Doherty ready to step in.
Craig Dawson returns from suspension to bolster their defense, while Pedro Neto and Joe Hodge are still recovering from injuries.
Possible Lineups:
Arsenal:(4-3-3)
Raya;
Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko;
Odegaard, Rice, Havertz;
Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Wolves:(3-5-2)
Sa;
Dawson, Kilman, Toti;
Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Bellegarde, Doherty;
Cunha, Hwang
Prediction:
Although another six-goal spectacle seems unlikely, Arsenal’s attacking prowess and solid defense should lead them to a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While Wolves have shown their ability to score, their defense is susceptible. Expect Arsenal to find the net a couple of times and retain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
- Our Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
