Arsenal take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday night.
The Gunners go into the game off the back of an impressive run of Europa League form that continued with a 3-0 victory over Molde on Thursday night. The result meant that Arsenal qualified for the Round of 32 with two games to spare and have a 100% record after their first four group games of a European campaign for the first time since 2005.
Their performances in the Premier League however, have left a little more to be desired. Mikel Arteta’s side go into Sunday’s match having won just one of their last four matches. They have also failed to score a goal from open play in over eight hours.
In Wolves Arsenal face a tough opponent who they have failed to beat the Emirates since their promotion to Premier League two seasons ago.
![[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/000_97B779-scaled-e1703231851386-120x86.jpg "Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1 2")
![[FILES] Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/000_9W63G7-897x598-1-120x86.jpg "Pochettino advised me not to go into coaching, says Arteta 4")
It’s a game that Mikel Arteta admitted his side “need to win,” so who will he pick for the occasion? Below football.london ‘s Arsenal experts name the sides they’d pick on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Wheatley
Mikel Arteta will have been happy with his team’s comprehensive win over Molde on Thursday, but knows the real test comes this weekend when Arsenal face Wolves at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were rampant in Norway thanks to goals from Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson and Folarin Balogun. It was a case of redemption for Pepe after his red card against Leeds last week and he’ll be hopeful of retaining his place on Sunday.
David Luiz came off at half-time after suffering a minor injury and while he’s doubtful for the match in north London, it looks like Rob Holding will continue his partnership with Gabriel in defence.
Joe Willock has notched the most assists in the Europa League group stage this season (4) and will also be in contention to start, with Thomas Partey still out injured.
Willian faces a late fitness test over a muscle injury and there are doubts over Bukayo Saka which means Reiss Nelson will almost certainly get another chance to impress.
Wheatley’s Arsenal XI: Leno; Bellerin, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney; Xhaka, Ceballos, Willock; Nelson, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Kaya Kaynak
It goes without saying almost but Bernd Leno starts in goal. Runar Alex Runarsson did nothing wrong in keeping his second clean sheet in as many appearances against Molde, but the German is Arsenal’s undisputed number one.
In front of him I expect to see to see Mikel Arteta opt for the same back four who kept a clean sheet against Leeds despite being reduced to ten men.
David Luiz went off injured at half time so Rob Holding will most likely partner Gabriel with the impressive Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney playing right and left back respectively.
In midfield Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos will most likely start again. Thomas Partey unfortunately isn’t looking like he’ll be back in time from injury and Arteta will want to keep him fit for the North London Derby next week. Joe Willock will probably play in the number 10 position although I personally think this restricts his ability to make runs beyond the striker that has been so effective in the Europa League and would prefer to see Emile Smith-Rowe in the position.
The front three is where I expect the most changes to take place. Bukayo Saka faces a late fitness test, but if he is available then he will surely play after his impressive cameo against Leeds. Regardless of whether Willian is fit or not Reiss Nelson has done enough to warrant a start on the right which means Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line up top.
Kaynak’s Arsenal XI: Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Ceballos; Saka, Smith Rowe, Nelson; Aubameyang
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