Arsenal dominated Lens, topping their European group with a 6-0 win, while Wolverhampton Wanderers had a challenging time with a 3-2 loss to Fulham, marked by VAR controversy. Unlike many teams that try to stifle Arsenal's attacks, Lens left space for the Gunners, who took full advantage with five goals in the first half.
Despite Arsenal's success in Europe, Mikel Arteta remains focused, knowing their position in the Premier League is still under threat. Before beating Lens, Kai Havertz's goal against Brentford had briefly put Arsenal at the top of the English top flight. However, teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are closely trailing, even though Arsenal boasts the best defensive record with only 10 goals conceded.
The win against Lens marked Arsenal's fourth consecutive victory in all competitions. They haven't faced defeat at the Emirates in the 2023-24 season and have a chance to equal a club record of scoring in 32 games against a single opponent, with Wolves being the last team to shut them out in 1979. Arteta and O'Neil may exchange pleasantries before the match, but both managers have recent officiating gripes, especially after Wolves' controversial defeat at Craven Cottage.
Wolves, despite feeling aggrieved by VAR decisions, are in a mid-table position, holding 12th place with a comfortable 10-point lead over relegation places. This weekend's clash will see Wolves, who have scored in their last 12 Premier League games, facing Arsenal, a team they struggled against last season in a 5-0 defeat at the Emirates.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Even though he's supposed to be serving the second game of a three-game domestic ban this weekend, Arsenal's playmaker Fabio Vieira will be sidelined due to a groin operation, keeping him out of action for several weeks.Joining Vieira on the sidelines are long-term absentees Thomas Partey (thigh), Emile Smith Rowe, and Jurrien Timber (both knee). The latter two might return by the New Year, but there are no new concerns following Wednesday night's match.
Changes during halftime in the previous game seemed more tactical, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko making way for Ben White and Jakub Kiwior. Goalkeeper David Raya will also make his Premier League return after being ineligible to face parent club Brentford.
On the Wolves' side, left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri suffered a sprained ankle against Fulham and will miss the upcoming match. However, Hugo Bueno, Jonny Otto, and Matt Doherty are ready to step in. Craig Dawson's return from suspension will bolster the defense, but Pedro Neto is still recovering from a thigh injury, and Joe Hodge aims to return from a shoulder operation in January.
Dawson, back from suspension, is expected to replace Santiago Bueno in the visitors' defense. The attacking duo of Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha, who have proven effective, will likely feature in the final third.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 3-1 Wolves
Arsenal fans might have aspirations of replicating another six-goal victory, but facing a more defensively organized Wolves makes that prospect seem unlikely compared to their previous match against a disorganized Lens. Although Wolves' defense has its vulnerabilities, it's not as leaky as Lens'.
While the visitors occasionally compensate for defensive weaknesses with effectiveness in the attacking third, it's challenging to foresee their scoring streak persisting in North London. Arteta's team is expected to breach Wolves' defense a couple of times, securing the necessary goals to maintain their position at the top of the table.
