Wolves vs Arsenal Premier League preview: How to watch, lineups, top four & prediction

Arsenal end a painfully long wait of 18 days between matches as they travel to Molinuex on Thursday to face Wolves in the Premier League.

The wait is almost over. It was one of those spells where the break initially feels welcome before you end up being bored to the back teeth halfway through and itching to watch the lads back on the pitch.

And that two and a half week period culminates with a mouth watering clash against fellow top four rivals at the end of it.

Just like Arsenal, Bruno Lage’s side lost their opening three matches of the Premier League season. In contrast to the Gunners, however, Wolves actually looked impressive during that spell with underlying metrics that didn’t make you want to cry, and their form has gradually improved with the results they’ve deserved following suit.

Wolves vs Arsenal preview: Mikel Arteta’s side head to Molineux on Thursday for a huge Premier League clash with top four implications

Sitting just two points adrift of Arsenal in the table, they must absolutely be considered a top four rivals in a pursuit of the fabled Champions League that is set to go down to the wire with at least four teams involved.

Much was made of the underwhelming January transfer window for the red half of north London, but despite Wolves’ issues with finding the back of the net, they too didn’t strengthen. In fact, if anything they weakened by allowing Adama Traore to complete a bizarre move back to Barcelona.

Where the hosts’ biggest strength lies is in their defence, and midfield. A goal tally of just 19 in 21 matches is paltry, but they’ve been kept well in the hunt for European football on account of their superb defensive record.

Conceding just 16 in the division, a number bettered only by the champions-elect Manchester City, the foundation Lage has instilled is reinforced by one of the signings of the season in Jose Sa. Arsenal fans have rightly waxed lyrical about Aaron Ramsdale, all the while Wolves pulled off their own smart addition in between the sticks.

There is no shying away from how huge this game is. If Arsenal were to lose then suddenly their lack of activity in the transfer market is thrust into the limelight, while even if they draw question marks will be raised.

The first of a double header against this opposition in the space of two weeks, would anyone take a point pre-match?

All eyes on the three points, surely.

How to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Thursday 10 February
What Time Is Kick Off? 19:45 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Molinuex
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Michael Oliver

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Arsenal Team News vs Wolves – Takehiro Tomiyasu Injury Scare

It was smiles all round in Dubai as the squad took part in some warm weather training before they hosted Reading in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with Arteta able to call upon a near fully fit squad.

With just 21 players, including three goalkeepers, in his group, the one absentee that could open the door for an academy star to come into the matchday squad is Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Out of action for a few weeks since injuring his calf in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool – a match he played the full 90 minutes in despite not having a single training session prior – the last thing Arsenal need now is for him to aggravate that issue. If he’s on the border, don’t risk him.

But that means Cedric plays, right? Ah, maybe not, then.

Two welcome returns to the side come in the form of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, with the midfield duo both having served their respective suspensions now and being available to play. They have to stay fit and disciplined.

As for the hosts, Wolves will continue to be without Pedro Neto, Willy Boly and Yerson Mosquera due to long-term injuries. The pairing of Jonny and Hee-Chan Hwang missed their FA Cup tie with Norwich but could be available to feature.

Two of their international stars, Romain Saiss and Raul Jimenez, missed that fourth round tie on account of their commitments around the globe, but should be available for Thursday.

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Arsenal Predicted Lineup to Face Wolves – Tomiyasu Unavailable?

Wolves: Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho, Ait-Nouri; Podence, Jimenez

Arsenal: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Lacazette

Wolves vs Arsenal Score Prediction

A win here would do wonders for the general mood in and around the club off the back of a five-game winless run and disappointment many still feel after a January window without any additions.

But, across the three games this month, would seven points suffice? You’d probably say they would, yes.

That won’t be in Arteta’s mind, nor will it be in the players’. This team only knows how to play one way and that is with their foot on the pedal.

The big concern for this match is the lack of match sharpness in the players. A behind-closed-doors friendly is not going to get the players up to the level they need to be at, and with Wolves playing Norwich the weekend just passed they should be fresher for this.

Given how meek Wolves’ attacking numbers are this season, getting in front will be crucial in forcing them to chase a game, something they rarely succeed in. Lage will be content with keeping the scoreline level until late, by which time Wolves can come alive.

They won’t be sitting back, though, not at home, and it should be an entertaining game finely balanced by one side with a superior starting lineup (Arsenal) and another side fitter and sharper Wolves).

Sadly, that might mean a draw.

Score Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Arsenal