Wolverhampton Wanderers FC vs Arsenal FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC vs Arsenal FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Arsenal’s charge at the top of the table continued last weekend, as they overcome yet another hurdle by beating Chelsea away from home.

The Gunners have batted challenge after challenge away so far and, apart from that defeat against Manchester United, have gone unbeaten.

They suffered a blow to their trophy hopes this week as they lost in the Carabao Cup, going down 3-1 at home to Brighton. They won’t mind that as long as their charge at the top of the Premier League continues.

Wolves took the step of appointing a permanent manager this week, bringing in Julen Lopetegui from Spain, a manager who they have courted for some time.

Lopetegui has had mixed success in his managerial career to date, finding success with Porto and Sevilla although falling flat in his short time with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

His new club will hope that he can turn their fortunes around sharply.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     New manager will provide a boost 

     Midweek cup win should raise confidence levels

Reasons to be fearful:

     Lost their last two games against Arsenal

     Only scored eight goals in their 14 games so far

Wolves will hope that the appointment of a new manager can start a successful new chapter in their Premier League story, starting with hauling themselves out of the relegation zone.

Lopetegui will not take charge for this game – that responsibility falls on caretaker manager Steve Davis for the final time – but his presence will undoubtedly be felt around the place.

As we saw at Aston Villa when Unai Emery came into the fold last weekend, the current players start to lift their game to impress the new manager. 

Lopetegui clearly has a record of improving players under his span of control when given the time to do so. His Porto and Sevilla sides were well respected across Europe.

He will have his work cut out for him at Wolves, with the club underperforming and, most importantly, not scoring enough goals. 

You wonder how they will find the cutting edge in front of goal to trouble Arsenal here.

Star Man – Ruben Neves

The influential midfielder has always been one of Wolves’ top performers, even during his side’s troubles this season. He often chips in with an important goal, but his control of the ball could be key here.

Arsenal FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Rested almost all of their first-team players against Brighton in midweek

     Seven games unbeaten in the league

Reasons to be fearful

     Wolves’ performance will improve as a result of new management

     Recent away games have been close results

Arsenal have the opportunity to go into the World Cup break at the top of the league, a situation that few would have thought possible at the start of the season.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been exemplary throughout most of the season so far – just one defeat and one draw have blotted their 100% winning record.

They suffered a mini blow by crashing out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, although that will be put to the back of their minds if they continue to win in the league.

The Gunners rested almost all of their usual starting XI in that game, so they should be fresher here. They have a good record to call upon against Wolves and that will stand them in good stead.

Star Man – Bukayo Saka

The Englishman, alongside with fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli, has been brilliant all season. In the tight spaces that he will need to work in against Wolves, he usually excels.