Arsenal are hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League when they play hosts to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. Mikel Arteta relieved some of the pressure in a 3-0 win over Molde in midweek, but his team is winless in the league since a narrow victory over Manchester United earlier this month.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, they will face yet another stern test against a Wolves side, who are regarded as one of the most disciplined teams in the Premier League. The West Midlands outfit haven’t particularly had an enjoyable start to the campaign, but are more than capable of sealing all three points at Emirates this weekend.
Arsenal Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is likely to revert to a 4-3-3 formation due to the likely absence Joe Willock from the starting eleven. However, it can easily shift into a back-three if necessary with Kieran Tierney joining the centre-backs while Bukayo Saka drops in as a wing-back. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could also return to the wide-attacking role after he struggled against Leeds United last time out.
Wolves
Wolves, meanwhile, should stick with the signature 3-4-3 formation. The visitors are expected to defend in deep blocks during the first 45 minutes of the game as they usually do, tiring the opposition so that they can really up their ante after the restart. The potential introduction of players like Adama Traore could be critical in regards to the outcome of this fixture.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal were boosted in midweek after it was revealed that Saka had only suffered a dead leg against Leeds. The Englishman, therefore, is a guaranteed starter, though his midfield partners in Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey might not be so lucky. Either way, Arteta is expected to make a plethora of changes from the side that secured a win over Molde in midweek.
Predicted Lineup: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Wolves
Nuno Espirito Santo should have no fresh injuries to deal with heading into this game. On the contrary, he could be boosted by the return of Conor Coady. Jonny, however, remains out for the away side, along with Romain Saiss, who is suffering from an illness.
Predicted Lineup: Patricio; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Semedo, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Alt-Nouri; Neto, Jimenez, Podence.
Key Men
Arsenal
Arsenal, no doubt, are in desperate need of productivity going forward. So the onus will be on star striker Aubameyang as the Gabonese international hopes to find his scoring form after a miserable start to the 2020/21 campaign. His performance in front of goal this weekend could dictate Arsenal’s fortunes in this game.
Wolves
Wolves, on the other hand, are hoping that their star man Jimenez could continue to impress in the number nine role. The Mexican’s work-ethic and physicality could be key in breaking down an Arsenal backline that has been quite solid this season.
