Arsenal meet Wolves at Emirates Stadium in their opening clash of 2024-25 Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will once again look to fight for the title, whilst Wolves will target a top-ten finish after a promising first season under Gary O’Neil.
Team News
Riccardo Calafiori is in contention for his competitive Arsenal debut, following the Italian defender’s move from Bologna in July.
Jurrien Timber (foot) is expected to be available, but Fabio Vieira (hip) is a doubt.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) will be absent.
Wolves will be without Nelson Semedo after he was sent off in their loss at Liverpool on the final day of last season.
Matheus Cunha (hamstring), Mario Lemina (hamstring) and Jorgen Strand Larsen (groin) are doubtful for selection.
Enso Gonzalez (ACL), Daniel Podence (calf) and Leon Chiwome (ankle) are ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Arsenal host Wolves at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 17 August at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Wolves (W6).
- Wolves have claimed six points in their last seven visits to Arsenal (W1, D3, L3).
- Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard scored in both meetings against Wolves last season (W2).
- Eight of Arsenal’s 10 pre-season goals were scored before half-time.
- Three of Wolves’ 11 goals in pre-season were scored by Rodrigo Gomes.
Prediction
Despite being without some regular players for much of pre-season due to international commitments, Arsenal nevertheless looked in strong form and I definitely do expect them to fire on all cylinders in this game on current momentum.
Wolves meanwhile are slightly tricky to predict given their inconsistent finish to pre-season – with two losses in last three friendlies, but I do feel like this could well be a tough defensive test that they should relish getting out of the way now.
In fact, I just can’t see Wolves getting anything from this game.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
Result: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves