🔗 Share this article

The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight matchup as front-runners Arsenal entertain rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations following the side that endured a narrow loss at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the lineup. The captain and the Spanish midfielder drop to the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is not involved. The centre-back returns after missing a run of games through injury.

Wolves also have made three changes to their starting XI following being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

Starting Elevens

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes, Doherty, Joao Gomes, Andre Trindade, Krejci, Wolfe, Larsen, Hwang.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Preamble

Welcome! And I mean, look at this …

The standings reveals a striking contrast. The hosts sit proudly at the summit of the table, while their opponents anchor the league.

… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the team propping up the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – who are behind two of the four all-time upsets? Why, Wolves, of course! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will undoubtedly be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots occasionally succeed, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The other two bottom-beats-top wins in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over United in March 1993, and Spurs – yeah, this one sounds a bit weird - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}