Predicted Arsenal XI vs Wolves: Unchanged from Stamford Bridge

Arsenal have the chance to head into the World Cup break at the top of the Premier League table when they make the trip to Molineux on Saturday night.

Wolves, who are buoyed by the appointment of Julen Lopetegui (although he won’t be on the touchline this weekend), are desperate to get into the break following a horrific start to the season.

They currently sit 19th in the Premier League table and are welcoming the league leaders to the Midlands on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have been the story of 2022/23 thus far and they’ll be looking to conclude the first half of the season with a psychologically significant win this weekend.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Wolves

Here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick against Wolves.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White are both heading to the World Cup. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale hasn’t been tested as of late with the Arsenal backline performing superbly. Let’s hope he celebrates his England call-up with another clean sheet on Saturday.

Ben White (RB) – White will join Ramsdale on the plane to Qatar following an excellent start to the season. The England international is a sure bet to start at right-back in this one.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba was the only player to retain his place in the starting XI on Wednesday as the Gunners were beaten 3-1 by Brighton in the Carabao Cup. The Frenchman, too, will be going to the World Cup and Didier Deschamps will be praying that he avoids any issues in this one given Raphael Varane’s injury status.

Gabriel (CB) – Gabriel has developed a stout partnership with Saliba and the Brazilian, who was the match-winner at Chelsea, has been superb over the past couple of weeks. No outfield Gunners has played more Premier League minutes than Gabriel (1,170) this season.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – Zinchenko’s return was a timely one last weekend as he helped Arteta’s side dominate at the Bridge. It’s a pleasure watching the Ukrainian go about his work.

Midfielders

Martin Odegaard will lead the side out at Molineux. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Thomas Partey (DM) – How good has this guy been as of late? Partey’s the glue in this Arsenal side, and he’ll start every Premier League game he’s available for.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – The people’s champion. Xhaka’s renaissance has been a major narrative this season and the Swiss midfielder is an important leader on the field. Only Saliba, Gabriel and Ramsdale have racked up more league minutes than Xhaka (1,153) this season.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Odegaard’s production has taken a downturn but his influence on this Arsenal side remains as subtle but paradoxically strong as ever.

Forwards

Gabriel Jesus would love a goal on Saturday. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka will also be jetting off to Qatar and he could play a major role for England in the Middle East. After a slowish start, the winger has been magnificent over the past couple of months. He’s scored just once against Wolves in six appearances, however.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – How much d’you reckon Jesus would love a goal before the World Cup? The Brazilian’s drought has been a lengthy one and while he continues to perform, his woes in front of goal will continue to be discussed until he breaks his duck.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Returning to the ground where he was controversially sent off last season, Martinelli will be determined to round off a majestic first half of the season on Saturday. The Brazilian’s seven goal contributions in the Premier League can only be topped by Jesus and Saka in the Arsenal squad.