Arsenal Face Wolves in Pivotal English Top Division Clash

The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight matchup as front-runners Arsenal host rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced three changes from the team that suffered a narrow loss at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger are all included in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder are named on the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba is back after sitting out five matches due to injury.

The visitors also make three changes to their lineup following being soundly beaten 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward start. Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the bench, while Bellegarde is omitted altogether.

Starting Elevens

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: 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.
Substitutes: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Match Context

Welcome! Because, look at this …

The table reveals a clear picture. The hosts sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves anchor the division.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have played the team at the foot of the division – with 30 out of 41, with seven draws – who are responsible for two of the four all-time upsets? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be expecting another three points, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs sometimes come off, and anything is possible. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

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