Prediction: Wolves vs Arsenal

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League action on Saturday night, Arsenal will travel to Molineux when they meet Wolves.

Wolves

Starting with the hosts, while Wolves might have continued to receive a string of plaudits since appointing Gary O’Neil last summer, they do have the feel of a squad seeking a recent boost. Despite some around Molineux dreaming of the chance to mount a famous European charge in 2024, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad fail to win any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Last seen settling for a 2-2 stalemate away at relegation scrappers Nottingham Forest, Wolves have also shown some real defensive issues on either side of March’s international break. Shockingly suffering a major FA Cup collapse last month as they fell to an infamous 3-2 defeat at the hands of Championship outfit Coventry, Saturday’s hosts have failed to record a single clean sheet over the past couple of months. Likewise, O’Neil’s side have also shipped at least a pair of goals in four of their last five domestic showdowns.

Team News

While Wolves might remain hopeful that attacking talisman Pedro Neto will be able to play some part before the end of the season, O’Neil’s men will once again be unable to call upon the 24-year-old here. Likewise, missing out against Nottingham Forest last week, Saturday’s hosts are once again sweating over the fitness of Algeria international Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Bagging a classy Premier League brace at the City Ground last week and now registering 11 top-flight goals this season, ex-Atletico Madrid star Matheus Cunha will spearhead Wolves’ charge. Former West Ham defender Craig Dawson could be handed a recall and make a first appearance since the start of March.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the New Year, Mikel Arteta’s young squad have endured a nightmare week. Crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night as they slumped to a 3-2 aggregate defeat against German giants Bayern Munich, the Gunners have watched all of their hard work come tumbling away over the past few days. With their Premier League title dreams suffering a major blow last weekend as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, Arsenal will be more than aware that they must claim a crucial response here. With plenty of pressure on their shoulders this weekend, Arteta’s men will be excited by a rampant record against Saturday’s hosts. Including a 2-1 win when they met Wolves back on December 2nd, the Gunners have won all of their previous five showdowns by an aggregate score of 12-1.

Team News

While former Ajax defender Jurrien Timber might have recently returned to first-team training, the Dutch international will not feature on Saturday night. Despite appearing to pick up a knock late on against Bayern Munich earlier in the week, attacking talisman Bukayo Saka will feature at Molineux.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench at the Allianz on Wednesday night, ex-Brighton star Leandro Trossard could be handed a full recall this weekend. Former Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko could replace Japan International Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolves and Arsenal met for their reverse Premier League battle on December 2nd, the Gunners picked up a 2-1 victory in north London.
• Likewise, Arsenal have won all of their previous five meetings against Wolves by an aggregate score of 12-1.
• Arsenal have lost back-to-back appearances across all competitions for the first time since opening the New Year.
• Wolves have failed to claim a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all formats.
• O’Neil’s men have also suffered consecutive defeats at Molineux on either side of March’s international break.

Conclusion

Enduring what has been a nightmare week in north London, Arsenal will be more than aware that they have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Crashing out of the Champions League in midweek at the hands of Bayern Munich and watching their Premier League title ambitions take a major blow, the Gunners face what is a major must-win showdown on Saturday night. Collecting a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Wolves to the Emirates back on December 2nd, we are expecting Arsenal to claim an essential domestic boost at Molineux.

Verdict: Arsenal win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet