Premier League preview: Arsenal v Wolves

Arsenal will be out to continue their English Premier League resurgence when they host Wolverhampton on Tuesday.

Led by in-form forward Robin van Persie, Arsenal have climbed into fifth on the table on the back of eight wins in their last 10 league outings.

The Dutchman has been in scintillating goal-scoring form, and is closing in on Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 36 goals in a calendar year.

Van Persie’s goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday took his tally to 34, and he has two games before 2011 is over.

He is sure to have the opportunities to break Shearer’s record with games against lowly sides Wolves and Queens Park Rangers to come.

The 28-year-old said on Friday he had been shocked by Arsenal’s turnaround after the Londoners lost four of their opening seven league games.

While van Persie’s form has been outstanding, he has had strong support from several team-mates.

Alex Song, who returns from suspension, and Gervinho have provided five assists apiece this campaign, while Aaron Ramsey has set up one fewer.

England international Theo Walcott has proved vital in setting up van Persie in the latest part of his incredible run.

A meeting with Wolves at Emirates Stadium is a game Arsenal would have marked down as a win pre-season, and Arsene Wenger will expect his team to collect three points.

Wolves sit just a spot above the relegation zone, and Mick McCarthy will be desperate to get his team back to winning ways.

After recording wins in their opening two league games of the season, Wolves have won just twice more, despite Steven Fletcher’s six goals.

Away from home, Wolves have lost six of eight games and conceded a poor 17 goals.

McCarthy is likely to have to cope without midfielder David Edwards, and defenders Jody Craddock and Kevin Foley, for the trip.

Wenger could welcome back defender Johan Djourou, while Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna are unavailable.

Jack Wilshere, Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone, Abou Diaby and Ryo Miyaichi are also missing for Arsenal.

Wenger’s men will go into the clash against Wolves as hot favourites as van Persie chases an incredible record.