Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers lock horns at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night in what could prove to be a decisive clash for their top-six hopes.
Both sides are separated by a mere point in the Premier League table, yet sit four places apart. Wolves are ahead in 10th and could move as high as sixth with all three points on Sunday. Although the goal-shy Arsenal have a point to prove in this one.
All signs suggest it will be a close contest over in London due to the similarities between them. The clubs have each scored nine goals, conceded 10, and won four of their nine league games. A single goal, in fact, could very well determine the outcome.
Arsenal Form & Stats
The Gunners may have cruised to a comfortable 3-0 Europa League win over Molde on Thursday, but their Premier League campaign has been far less convincing. In fact, they sit down in 14th-place in the standings on 13 points.
Hopes of a top-four finish had been resurrected following a strong end to last season under Mikel Arteta. But, considering the lack of consistency and goal threat this term, it’s clear the Spanish coach still has a long way to go. Although the feeling he’ll get things back on track remains strong at the Emirates.
In the meantime, however, Arteta must find a quick-fix to Arsenal’s growing problems. After being thrashed 3-0 by Aston Villa at home, the newly promoted Leeds outplayed them in last weekend’s goalless stalemate – albeit with 10-men.
A response is now needed to kick-start Arsenal’s fading hopes of a return to the top-four this season – or top-six for that matter. Fixing their problems upfront is key, having gone 476 minutes without a goal from open play.
The lack of goals, particularly from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, is a growing concern. Things may have improved defensively, but what good is that without goals? Breaking down the Wolves defense, therefore, is a must and a first goal inside the opening half since September 28 could decide the game.
Key Team Stats
- Lost their last two home league games.
- 476 minutes without a goal from open play.
- Haven’t scored a first-half goal in their last six league games.
- Under 2.5 goals in four of their last five league games.
- Failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven home league games.
Wolves Form & Stats
Sealing a return to the Europa League is very much the aim for Wolves. They had finished seventh in league and ahead of Arsenal last term, but lost out because of the Gunners’ FA Cup success back in August.
But things this season, like their opponents, have got off to an indifferent start. The Wanderers have struggled for consistency, with four wins, two draws, and three defeats in nine league games.
Although Wolves boast the league’s second-best defensive record alongside Chelsea, West Ham, and Arsenal on 10 conceded goals. On the downside, however, they’ve only scored nine times. It’s the league’s fourth-worst record alongside Fulham and again Arsenal.
Although rumor has it that Nuno Espirito Santo may start with a back four for the second successive game. A cautious approach wouldn’t be a great surprise either, considering Wolves have drawn 1-1 in their last two visits to the Emirates.
Key Team Stats
- Won two of their four away league games this season (L2).
- Lost just one of their last six league games (W3 D2).
- Under 2.5 goals in their last six league games.
- Raul Jimenez has scored four of their nine league goals this season.
Team News
Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Pepe, Pablo Mari, & Gabriel Martinelli (out); Bukayo Saka (doubt).
Wolves: Romain Saiss & Jonny (out).
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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