Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Saturday night, Arsenal will welcome Wolves to the Emirates.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have suffered last-gasp heartbreak away at Aston Villa last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss in the Midlands, Mikel Arteta’s men claimed an immediate response on Wednesday night. Extending on their 100% Champions League record as they cruised their way to a routine 3-0 victory away at Club Brugge, the Gunners are regarded as a standout contender to claim a first domestic crown since 2004. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding just a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, Arsenal will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil. Last seen at the Emirates opening December with a 2-0 win against Brentford, Arteta’s men have gained a reputation for their extended dominance in north London. In fact, the Gunners have won all of their last eight consecutive showdowns at the Emirates across all competitions by an aggregate score of 20-2.
Arsenal Team News
While Kai Havertz might be inching towards a first-team return, the former Chelsea star is not expected to play any part on Saturday night. Likewise, in what is a major blow for the Gunners, Arsenal are also expected to once again be without the defensive duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Recently returning from a hamstring injury, big-money summer recruit Viktor Gyokeres should make a first Premier League start since returning from November’s international break. Despite notching just a sole domestic strike over the past five weeks, England international Bukayo Saka will lead the line here.
Wolves
As for the visitors, while Rob Edwards might have only arrived at Molineux less than a month ago, the former Middlesbrough boss is more than aware that he is seeking what would be an iconic Premier League miracle. Sat rock-bottom of the table and already with one foot firmly in the Championship, the Old Gold have broken a string of unwanted records this season. Last seen earlier in the week falling to a 4-1 drumming at home against Manchester United, Wolves have remarkably failed to win any of their 15 Premier League showdowns and have put just two points on the board. Likewise, losing all of their last nine consecutive appearances against Premier League opposition across all competitions, Edwards’ downbeat squad couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge this weekend.
Wolves Team News
Not featuring since the end of August and still dealing with a groin issue, Wolves will travel to north London on Saturday night without Portuguese defender Rodrigo Gomes. However, serving a one-match suspension against Manchester United earlier in the week, Joao Gomes will return to Edwards’ travelling squad.
Left as an unused substitute against Manchester United on Monday, South Korean international Hee-Chan Hwang could be handed a full recall. Despite coming under intense recent scrutiny, Sam Johnstone should keep his spot between the sticks.
Arsenal vs Wolves Key Factors to Consider
- When Wolves and Arsenal last met for a Premier League showdown back on January 25th, Arteta’s side collected a 1-0 victory in the Midlands.
- In fact, Arsenal have won all of their previous eight consecutive meetings against Wolves.
- The Gunners have won all of their last eight consecutive showdowns at the Emirates across all competitions by an aggregate score of 20-2.
- Wolves have remarkably put just two points on the board from any of their 15 Premier League appearances this season.
- Likewise, the Old Gold have lost all of their last eight straight meetings against Premier League opposition across all competitions.
Conclusion
Claiming an immediate Champions League response on Wednesday night as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp away at Club Brugge, Arsenal will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Hoping to widen their buffer at the top of the Premier League standings, Saturday’s hosts couldn’t have asked for a more perfect opportunity here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they last met Wolves back on January 25th, they have also won all of their last eight straight meetings. Given what has been a monumental gulf in class between Saturday’s opponents, it is no surprise that the Premier League leaders are pencilled in as a landslide contender in north London. Looking to make another title statement, the Gunners have been handed a golden opportunity.
Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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