Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Arsenal FC
Arsenal FC
Arsenal have huge opportunity to close gap to top four against struggling Wolves
Arsenal to win 3-1
Arsenal proved that there is not too much difference in quality between them and teams above them with a dogged performance against Manchester United at the weekend, solid protecting a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
The point saw them drop a place to 10th, though can go as high as 6th with a win here although they have played a game more than some of the teams around them.
The Gunners have some extremely talented young players who are driving the team forward when their more experienced members have struggled in recent times.
Wolves must be disappointed at how their season is tailing off, having performed so well last season, to limping their way through this campaign to date.
The Wanderers have gone eight league matches without victory and it’s currently hard to see where their improvement will come from, looking so light in forward areas.
Arsenal will fancy their chances here.
Form Guide (all comps): LLWDL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Beat Arsenal in the reverse fixture back in November
Always capable of a big performance against the top sides
Reasons to be fearful:
Only managed 23 points from their 21 games
Poor record overall against Arsenal
Wolves must be wondering where their form of last season has disappeared to, having slipped to their 10th defeat of the season against Crystal Palace recently.
They are obviously struggling without star striker Raul Jimenez, though the whole team is looking short of confidence right now, which has hampered their results for most of the season.
Ironically, Wolves 2-1 win over Arsenal in November was the start of a poor run for both clubs, with The Wanderers losing seven of their next 11 matches.
They did, however, enjoy a win over Chelsea during that period, once again proving that this team often come alive most against the bigger sides.
Here, they will be without Ruben Neves, alongside other absentees Jonny, Ait-Nouri, Marcal and of course Jimenez.
Star Man – Pedro Neto
Has been trying to carry Wolves in terms of goals in Jimenez’s absence to mixed results, but he can cause problems for Arsenal’s defence here.
Form Guide (all comps): DWLWD
Reasons to be cheerful:
Five wins from their last seven league matches
Young players performing brilliantly
Reasons to be fearful:
Aubameyang likely to remain absent
Found it hard to break Wolves down earlier in the season
The Gunners will have the European spots firmly within their sights after a good run of form most recently included a draw against 2nd place Manchester United at the weekend.
With teams above them all dropping points (Arsenal and Man City are the only sides in the top 10 to have not lost any of their last five matches), they will sense the opportunity to take advantage of what has been an inconsistent season for every club in the division.
Young star Emile Smith Rowe has been at the heart of Arsenal’s revival and impressed in a largely quiet affair for both clubs at the weekend. Buyako Saka, who missed that game, as well as excellent full-back Kieran Tierney should be fit to return for this one.
Despite Wolves’ poor form, Arsenal will need to be at their best here.
Star Man – Bukayo Saka
His cutting edge was missing as Arsenal struggled to create chances against Manchester United. He should return here, and Arsenal will be better off for it.
Arsenal are favourites to win
Possession likely to be evenly shared
Can Wolves create goalscoring chances?
Arsenal shake off the cobwebs from their slightly flat 0-0 draw against Manchester United, but will feel confident going into a match against a side who have not won in eight league games.
Wolves can come alive in the big games, but are struggling both physically and mentally right now.
Arsenal are big favourites here.
Arsenal to win 3-1
