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Preview: Top meets bottom as Arsenal host Wolves

Preview: Top meets bottom as Arsenal host Wolves

Shiriki

Arsenal host Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to bounce back from a disappointing result away to Aston Villa. Rob Edwards’ side are still searching for their first victory of the campaign, with relegation a serious threat if their form continues.

By Matt Smith

The last meeting between the two sides saw plenty of drama, with both João Gomes and Myles Lewis-Skelly being sent off. Riccardo Calafiori grabbed a second-half winner to secure a 1-0 victory for the Gunners.

Team news

Providing an update to the media on Arsenal’s current injury situation, Arteta was cautious about confirming whether some of his stars would return. Declan Rice, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Jurrien Timber all have a chance of making it, but Arteta wasn’t guaranteeing anything.

Wolves boss Edwards has confirmed that Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will be unavailable for the away side, and he’s expected to be out for over six weeks due to a hamstring injury. João Gomes will be available again following his suspension.

Arsenal remain phenomenal defensively

Although the Gunners spent significantly to improve their attacking options during the summer transfer window, it’s still their defensive solidity that is the most impressive. Arsenal have conceded just 9.5 expected goals this season, comfortably fewer than any other side in the Premier League.

The north London club have seen their form dip in recent weeks, picking up just two wins from their previous five games in the Premier League. Considering they face bottom-side Wolves this weekend, they’ll fancy their chances to get back on track.

Not much to shout about for Wolves

There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to discussing Wolves this season, as there’s very little positivity surrounding the club at the moment. To still be searching for their first win when Christmas is only two weeks away is a major concern, and it doesn’t get any easier this weekend against Arsenal.

Wolves aren’t sitting at the bottom by accident, with Edwards’ side conceding more goals and scoring fewer than any other side in the Premier League. Vitor Pereira was relieved of his duties earlier in the campaign, and we’ve seen little improvement under Edwards’ tutelage since then.

Declan Rice in the engine room

Although the defence of Arsenal has received plenty of the plaudits, while attackers also receive a lot of the limelight, Declan Rice has been a key cog in Arteta’s machine this season. An all-action midfielder, Rice has developed into a goalscoring and creative threat for the Gunners.

Rice’s passing stats in the Premier League this season

With attacking data that a winger would be proud of, Rice is also crucial for Arsenal defensively, and he’s an incredibly reliable option in the middle of the park for Arsenal. Wolves will have to be wary of his threat from deep this weekend, with his bursting runs and ball-carrying ability.

Prediction

Wolves will eventually find three points, but unfortunately for them, it’s unlikely to be this weekend. 3-0 Arsenal is our prediction. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Top meets bottom as Arsenal host Wolves

Arsenal host Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to bounce back from a disappointing result away to Aston Villa. Rob Edwards’ side are still searching for their first victory of the campaign, with relegation a serious threat if their form continues.

By Matt Smith

The last meeting between the two sides saw plenty of drama, with both João Gomes and Myles Lewis-Skelly being sent off. Riccardo Calafiori grabbed a second-half winner to secure a 1-0 victory for the Gunners.

Team news

Providing an update to the media on Arsenal’s current injury situation, Arteta was cautious about confirming whether some of his stars would return. Declan Rice, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Jurrien Timber all have a chance of making it, but Arteta wasn’t guaranteeing anything.

Wolves boss Edwards has confirmed that Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will be unavailable for the away side, and he’s expected to be out for over six weeks due to a hamstring injury. João Gomes will be available again following his suspension.

Arsenal remain phenomenal defensively

Although the Gunners spent significantly to improve their attacking options during the summer transfer window, it’s still their defensive solidity that is the most impressive. Arsenal have conceded just 9.5 expected goals this season, comfortably fewer than any other side in the Premier League.

The north London club have seen their form dip in recent weeks, picking up just two wins from their previous five games in the Premier League. Considering they face bottom-side Wolves this weekend, they’ll fancy their chances to get back on track.

Not much to shout about for Wolves

There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to discussing Wolves this season, as there’s very little positivity surrounding the club at the moment. To still be searching for their first win when Christmas is only two weeks away is a major concern, and it doesn’t get any easier this weekend against Arsenal.

Wolves aren’t sitting at the bottom by accident, with Edwards’ side conceding more goals and scoring fewer than any other side in the Premier League. Vitor Pereira was relieved of his duties earlier in the campaign, and we’ve seen little improvement under Edwards’ tutelage since then.

Declan Rice in the engine room

Although the defence of Arsenal has received plenty of the plaudits, while attackers also receive a lot of the limelight, Declan Rice has been a key cog in Arteta’s machine this season. An all-action midfielder, Rice has developed into a goalscoring and creative threat for the Gunners.

Rice’s passing stats in the Premier League this season

With attacking data that a winger would be proud of, Rice is also crucial for Arsenal defensively, and he’s an incredibly reliable option in the middle of the park for Arsenal. Wolves will have to be wary of his threat from deep this weekend, with his bursting runs and ball-carrying ability.

Prediction

Wolves will eventually find three points, but unfortunately for them, it’s unlikely to be this weekend. 3-0 Arsenal is our prediction. 

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, physical metrics, and player ratings. Download the free app here.