The Premier League is back after being meddled by the FA Cup quarter final last weekend. The Gunners, which still sit on the tenth in the standings, are planning to bring their spirit of revival in the next outing while travelling to Wolverhampton, which is now on the sixth and battling for Champions League spot next season. Mikel Arteta’s men have to be careful this time as their upcoming opponent has been unbeaten in EPL since February.
The teams’ previous matches
The Wolves continued their series of clean sheet win last week while visiting Villa Park. Raul Jimenez and Co picked up a 1-0 victory by a single goal of the Belgian international Leander Dendoncker. It was the result they need to keep their European chance alive.
Arsenal had another positive result last Wednesday. They hammered Norwich City 4-0. Pierre Aubameyang scored a brace, followed by his assist to Granit Xhaka plus another goal from Portuguese international, Cedric Soares. It was their third consecutive win so far.
Possible tactic
Nuno Santo tends to stick to his favourite 3-4-2-1 with the transition to 3-4-1-2, 3-4-3 and 3-5-2. The Mexican sensation Raul Jimenez is the main front man along with Diogo Jota and the versatile winger Adama Traore. They have been deadly and daunting in the opponents’ defense line so far not only in domestic competition but also in Europa League as well.
Mikel Arteta seems to have found a suitable formation for The Gunners in 3-4-3. Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Aubameyang will be picked for the dangerous trident upfront in the starting IX supported by Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos. The missing of Lucas Torreira, Callum Chambers, Mesut Ozil, Bernd Leno, Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari does not seem to affect their form at all.
Players to watch
When it comes to Wolves, the Portuguese connection always comes first to mind. The lines of Portuguese names such as Diogo Jota, Ruben Neves and Ruben Vinagre have always been apart of Wolves since their promotion in 2018. Yet, the one that has been on the spotlight this season is the former Atletico Madrid man, Raul Jimenez. He has thrived since his arrival in Molineux and scored fifteen goals plus made six assists this season, far better than his period under Diego Simeone back in 2014/15 season. Another notable one to watch is Adama Traore.
Meanwhile, Pierre Aubameyang is still the key figure in The Gunners’ attacking side. The former Dortmund man has bagged nineteen goals and provided two assists. Another notable player to watch is Dani Ceballos who thrives in the new formation as the midfielder centre accompanying the Swiss international Granit Xhaka.
Wolves vs Arsenal Prediction
Nuno Santo’s men are likely to endure their positive trend, considering their convincing results lately and longer resting time for this fixture. Such is the luxury Nicolas Pepe and Co do not possess as they just finished their last match on Wednesday. The physical fitness can be a decisive factor here. Another narrow win for the host seems quite plausible.
Betting odds
This match is expected to be a tough one for both teams. The host is backed to win at 2.25 whereas Mikel Arteta’s men are priced to win at 3.25, which are the same odds for the draw result.
