A shocking defeat to Crystal Palace at Emirates has now jeopardised Arsenal’s ‘top four’ hopes with four Premier League games remaining. The Gunners were in a flying form before this fixture and should be determined to regain the rhythm on Wednesday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.
Wolves have been fantastic since being promoted last year. They have snatched points from the heavyweight teams including a 1-1 draw in the reverse tie at the Emirates. Their home record has been fascinating, and Unai Emery must prepare his strategy accordingly to avoid yet another setback in such a crucial phase of the campaign.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal have quite a long list of injury absentees. Hector Bellerin [Knee], Rob Holding [Knee] and Danny Welbeck [Ankle] are ruled out for the season whereas Aaron Ramsey is likely to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks having sustained a thigh injury against Napoli. Denis Suarez and Granit Xhaka remain major doubts with their respective groin and hip injuries. However, in-form Sokratis Papastathopoulos is set to return this midweek after serving his suspension for conceding ten yellow cards in this domestic season.
Arsenal Formation
Emery has altered his team setups at times but should bank on a 3-4-1-2 similar to the Palace game irrespective of the outcome. The same formation worked out perfectly against Napoli in both the legs and the gaffer must try it out again with a few changes in the starting XI.
Defence
Bernd Leno has adjusted to the demands of Premier League after a slow start and grabbed a starting role over the veteran Petr Cech between the sticks.
The return of Sokratis Papastathopoulos should see Shkodran Mustafi dropped among the substitutes following a dismal display against the Eagles. Nacho Monreal was rested this weekend but should return to the left-hand side of Arsenal’s ‘back three’ replacing Konstantinos Mavropanos. Laurent Koscielny has been colossal since his return from a long injury layoff and must keep on leading the backline from a central role on Wednesday night.
Midfield
Carl Jenkinson was handed a rare start as a right wingback but should make way for the highly impressive Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Lucas Torreira is expected to start the game alongside Mattéo Guendouzi replacing Mohamed Elneny in the middle of the park. Sead Kolasinac should be operating as a left wingback as he has done in the recent fixtures.
Mesut Ozil had an impressive outing against Crystal Palace and must start as the ‘number 10’ to utilise his creativity, vision and artistry.
Attack
The Gunners have a lethal striking duo in Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to spearhead their attack. Both are in fine form and must ensure they deliver the goals on the road in this crucial contest.
