ARSENAL are looking to build on Wednesday’s stunning 6-0 rout of Lens in the Champions League with victory against Wolves on Saturday.
Gary O’Neil’s Wolves are coming off the back of a dispiriting 3-2 loss to Fulham on Monday night, where they were on the wrong end of two controversial penalty calls.
Victory for Arsenal would see the Gunners extend their lead at the top of the table, at least for 24 hours.
The Gunners are currently one point ahead of Manchester City going into the weekend, as they look to go one better than they did last year and win the league.
With City playing on Sunday evening against Tottenham, Gunners fans may find themselves in the odd position of cheering Spurs on that night.
Victory against Wolves would open up a four point gap at the top of the table on their nearest rivals.
Despite Wolves being on the wrong-end of a string of VAR controversies, they have packed a punch against the big teams this season.
O’Neil’s side come into the game 12th in the Premier League table but that does not belie the whole story of a team that has generally played well this season.
The former Bournemouth manager has masterminded impressive victories over both Manchester City and Tottenham – with Wolves generally playing well against the big teams so far.
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Arsenal enter the match fresh off the back of a 6-0 victory over Lens in mid-week.
The Gunners were 5-0 up at half time and were able to rest several key players in the second half of the game.
They’ll enter the game buoyed as well as well-rested as they look to sustain their title charge this season.
Wolves were desperately unlucky last time out against Fulham, falling to a last gasp Willian penalty to lose 3-2, which was only awarded after VAR intervention.
In their game previous to that they shocked Tottenham to win 2-1 despite trailing 1-0 as they entered added time.
Arsenal have welcomed Gabriel Jesus back into the side following a lengthy layoff with a hamstring injury – he’s expected to start the game.
Kai Havertz backed up his winner against Brentford by opening the scoring against Lens and is likely to start again.
Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe remain long-term absentees with Fabio Vieira also joining them after undergoing groin surgery.
Pedro Neto is unlikely to be fit as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury – but his return is getting nearer.
While Bukayo Saka is the obvious choice as star man, this feels like another chance for Kai Havertz to shine.
The German netted the winner against Brentford after coming off the bench and followed that up with a goal to open the drubbing against Lens.
If he can follow that up with a good performance here, fans might start seeing what Arteta saw when he signed the former Chelsea man.
For Wolves, Hwang Hee-Chan is in fine form and netted again from the penalty spot against Fulham.
The Korean star has been playing as more of an out-and-out forward this season and there is no question that Gary O’Neil is getting the best out of him.
Hwang has seven goals and two assists in his 13 Premier League appearances so far, with it looking like Wolves have finally found their heir to Raul Jimenez.
Mikel Arteta was jubilant off the back of his side’s 6-0 victory over Lens and said his side played the “perfect game”
He said: “I didn’t even dream this, we had the chance to win today and top the group. We’ve done it and we’ve done it in a really convincing way.
“I think it was six different scorers? So that’s great that the team has this capacity.”
Gary O’Neil, meanwhile, was in a less jubilant mood following on from Wolves’ loss to Fulham.
He said after the game: “Maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR.
“The impact that you are having on my reputation, and the club and people’s livelihoods is massive. We should be able to talk about the game and not decisions, but unfortunately we can’t.
“I think it is a really complex [issue]. I have always been for VAR but I think it is causing problems at the moment. I think VAR has cost us there.”
Arsenal are looking too strong this season to expect anything other than a home win.
But Wolves are a good side and a goal for star man Hwang will make things interesting.
2-1 to Arsenal.
Match result
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and are correct at the time of publication.
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