The in-form Mikel Arteta’s men will travel to Molineux Stadium this evening, as they face out of nack Nuno’s side.
The last time these two sides met at the Emirates, they battered the Gunners with counter-attacking prowess. But the creativity from the likes of Odegaard and Smith-Rowe could prove critical if Arsenal are to take three points from Molineux, at least that is what I’m predicting with Paddy Power as my alibi.
This will be a big test for Mikel Arteta’s men who can make a statement of their intent with a though three points of Wolves. Wolverhampton Wanderers has proved to be a tricky side ever since their promotion into the English top-tier and Arsenal will certainly have to work hard to make sure they keep their unbeaten run going. Arsenal have a hectic schedule coming up with Wolves today followed by Aston Villa, Leeds United, Manchester City and Leicester City in the Premier League during February along with a doubleheader against Benfica in Europa League knockout stage.
Confirmed Team News
Wolves certainly have not been the same since that Raul Jimenez skull injury in the reverse fixture after a horrible clash of heads with David Luiz. Fabio Silva has not been everything he is ought to be, too much to ask from a youngster who is still settling into a new country and new way of playing. Nuno Espírito Santo brought in Willian Jose from Real Sociedad to try and fill in the void left by Raul.
Mikel Arteta also faces multiple fitness concerns over Pablo Mari and Mathew Ryan. Aubameyang has only trained a couple of times in the past week and starts on the bench while Kieran Tierney misses out. Emile Smith-Rowe has played a lot since that boxing day win against Chelsea and many expected Martin Odegaard to start in that No.10 position and give Emile some rest but Mikel Arteta has stuck with PSR for today’s game. Bukayo Saka returns to starting XI after missing out against Manchester United with a sore hip while Dani Ceballos returns to the bench.
200th appearance for Granit Xhaka as he starts alongside new signing Thomas Partey.
Confirmed Lineups
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Rui Patricio; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Semedo, Moutinho, Neves, Neto; Adama Traoré, Podence, Willian José.
Here’s how Wolves line-up for this evening’s @premierleague fixture against @Arsenal. #WOLARS
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 2, 2021
Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Luiz, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka; Lacazette.
🚨 One change from Saturday
➡️ @BukayoSaka87
⬅️ @g_martinelli01
🔄 Auba and Dani in the squad#WOLARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2021
