Arsenal will want all three points to keep pace with the top-four, and against a struggling Wolves side, they have the perfect opportunity to do so.
Arsenal registered a 0-0 draw to stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games, and against Wolves, they could add to that streak if they do not lose at the Emirates. Since Crystal Palace ended Arsenal’s 11-game winning run, the Gunners have only managed to rack up one win in the three games that have followed, something Unai Emery would want to change.
Danny Welbeck is the hot topic doing the rounds since the forward suffered an ankle break during Arsenal’s clash with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League. Welbeck’s injury means he could miss the rest of the season. Arsenal also lost Stephan Lichtsteiner to a muscular injury during the same game, but the Swiss will only be out for the short term.
Emery, during his pre-match press conference, was asked plenty of questions, with most seemingly focused on Welbeck’s injury. On the player’s future, Emery said, “He’s a very good person. His commitment with us is huge. He’s helped us with his behaviour, with his quality and his capacity. It’s a huge injury for him, for us, for all people who like and love him as a person.”
Despite that blow and considering Welbeck’s contribution so far this season, Arsenal still have a few players to fill the void if necessary.
Petr Cech, has lost his regular starting spot in the league to summer signing Bernd Leno, and the German is set to continue between the sticks against Wolves. Hector Bellerin could take his starting position back after being rested against Sporting Lisbon. On the opposite flank, Sead Kolasinac should start in place of Carl Jenkinson.
Shkodran Mustafi is also expected to come back into the side after his impressive performance against Liverpool last week, and he will likely partner Rob Holding yet again at the heart of the Arsenal defence.
Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka are now Arsenal’s preferred pair in midfield, and the duo will continue in their roles against Wolves, taking their spots from Matteo Guendouzi and Aaron Ramsey. Ramsey’s position in the team is still considered to be in the No. 10 role, a position which Mesut Ozil has made his own this season.
Ozil will start in his customary position and will be ably supported by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on either side of the attack, with Alexandre Lacazette set to take back his starting spot as Arsenal’s central striker.
