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In the wake of a resounding triumph against Lens that secured their coveted spot in the Champions League last 16, Arsenal is geared up for a Premier League faceoff at the Emirates, welcoming Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta's squad showcased their dominance in a commanding 6-0 victory over Lens, securing the top spot in their European group. On the other side, Gary O'Neil's Wolves experienced a period of contemplation after a painful 3-2 defeat to Fulham, marred by VAR controversy.
At halftime during the Lens clash, strategic substitutions saw Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko making way for Ben White and Jakub Kiwior, underlining Arsenal's comfortable five-goal lead. Notably, the Premier League will witness the return of David Raya, who was ineligible to face his parent club, Brentford.
Wolves, grappling with injuries and insults, faced a setback in their recent match against Fulham when left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri was substituted after just 19 minutes due to a sprained ankle. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old will be unavailable for the upcoming clash, with Hugo Bueno, Jonny Otto, and Matt Doherty prepared to step in as replacements.
The defensive front for Wolves receives a boost with Craig Dawson's return from suspension, a timely addition given Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes serving bans. However, Pedro Neto, a rumored Arsenal target, remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Joe Hodge eyes a January return from a shoulder operation.
Anticipating Dawson's return, the visitors are expected to slot him in as a direct replacement for Santiago Bueno in the defensive lineup. Upfront, the effective partnership of Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha is set to resume in the final third.
Arsenal Possible Starting Lineup:
- Raya
- Tomiyasu
- Saliba
- Gabriel
- Zinchenko
- Odegaard
- Rice
- Havertz
- Saka
- Jesus
- Martinelli
Wolverhampton Wanderers Possible Starting Lineup:
- Sa
- Dawson
- Kilman
- Toti
- Semedo
- Traore
- Doyle
- Bellegarde
- Doherty
- Cunha
- Hwang