Arsenal welcome Wolves to the Emirates Stadium in a crunch Thursday Night Football clash in the race for Europe.
Victory would see Arsenal climb above West Ham into fifth, whereas Wolves themselves can go fifth with a win.
Team News
Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.
Wolves could welcome Willy Boly back from a calf injury as Bruno Lage otherwise has a full squad available for selection.
Raul Jimenez is in contention to start for Wolves on his return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since fracturing his skull in Wolves’ win at the venue in November 2020.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have won just one of their last six meetings against Wolves (W1, D2, L3).
- Wolves are unbeaten in their last four visits to Emirates Stadium (W1, D3).
- Victory would see Wolves win three consecutive matches against Arsenal for the very first time in all competitions.
- Six of Emile Smith Rowe’s nine league goals for Arsenal this season have been scored on his right foot.
- Joao Moutinho has scored in each of his last two away appearances for Wolves.
Prediction
After enduring a difficult start to 2022, Arsenal seemed back to their best in last weekend’s win over Brentford because they were perfect in their attacking play and defensive organisation, despite suffering a late slip in defensive focus once two goals up.
Wolves meanwhile found themselves in a stubborn scrap against Leicester but were defensively superb in their organisation with Jose Sa making great saves, whilst they were absolutely clinical on the attack with excellent midfield pressing to boot.
On that note, this should be a cracking contest because Arsenal know this is a huge chance for them to move closer towards a top four spot, whereas Wolves know that a win here would propel them right into the mix for Champions League qualification.
I am therefore expecting goals at both ends but Arsenal’s defence will be the biggest concern given Wolves’ pressing ability, yet a draw seems a solid bet.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Wolves
Result: Arsenal 2-1 Wolves