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The stage is set for a fascinating Premier League matchup as front-runners the Gunners entertain bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers to the their home ground.

Confirmed Sides

Mikel Arteta's side have introduced a trio of alterations following the team that endured a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa last weekend. William Saliba, Viktor Gyökeres and the Brazilian winger all come into the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and the Spanish midfielder drop to the bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. The centre-back returns after sitting out five matches through injury.

The visitors also make three adjustments to their lineup following being soundly beaten 4-1 at home by United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward are recalled. Hoever and Arias drop to the bench, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde is omitted altogether.

Starting Elevens

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Bench: 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
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Good evening! Because, c’mon …

The standings paints a striking picture. The hosts sit comfortably at the pinnacle of the Premier League, while Wolves anchor the division.

… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the side propping up the entire table – with 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four all-time upsets? Indeed, Wolves, of course! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be expecting another victory, the Wolves boss must know that long shots occasionally come off, and you never know. The start is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The remaining bottom-beats-top victories in the Premier League era are Oldham’s 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – yeah, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}