Prediction: Correct Score 1-1
Odds: 5/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
Arsenal will be aiming to move up into the top-half of the Premier League table as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Gunners have been in indifferent form domestically thus far this term but a win against Nuno’s men could finally fire up their season. Meanwhile, the visitors have not quite had the desired start to the campaign, yet to find any consistency, but a victory in North London could be quite a marker as they search for a European place.
Arsenal
Ahead of kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are sitting 13th in the Premier League table, their lowest position in the standings after nine games since 1992. The Gunners have only won two out of their last seven Premier League games, only managing to score three goals in that time. Mikel Arteta’s men do not even have their home form to fall back on. Usually very strong at the Emirates, Arsenal have lost their last two home matches to Leicester City and Aston Villa. Should they lose to Wolves on Saturday, it would only be the second time in the Premier League era that they have lost three consecutive home league matches. Away from league play though, they are in somewhat better form. The Gunners managed to win their last clash 3-0 against Norwegian side Molde, something that will surely give them confidence as they prepare to take on Wolves.
Team News
Despite putting in a positive showing against Molde in mid-week, Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe is ineligible for this match following his red card against Leeds United at Elland Road. He joins long-term absentees Gabriel Martinelli, Calum Chambers, Mohamed Elneny and Sead Kolasinac on the sidelines. Elsewhere, Pablo Mari and Thomas Partey are out with ankle and thigh injuries respectively. In somewhat better news, Bukayo Saka, David Luiz and Willian could all return if they pass late fitness tests.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Despite currently sitting just one point above Arsenal in the Premier League table, Wolves are enjoying a better time of things than this weekend’s opponents. The Black Country outfit have only lost just one out of their last six league matches, conceding just three goals in that time. That aspect has seen Wolves possess one of the most stubborn defences in the top-flight. Bizarrely though, it is their attack that has let them down thus far this campaign. Having only found the net on nine occasions in the league so far, that means that only Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United have scored fewer, whilst no side has scored fewer than Wolves in away matches in the 2020/21 season – an aspect that surely counts against them as they aim to notch three points at the Emirates.
Team News
Nuno will be hopeful on the fitness of centre-back Conor Coady, who missed the draw with Southampton due to COVID-19 self-isolation. Romain Saiss is also out for the same reason. Meanwhile, left-back Jonny Otto remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Key Facts To Consider
- Arsenal have the far better all-time head-to-head record between the two sides (W58, D28, L30)
- The Gunners won the last clash between the two 2-0 in July
- Wolves have not won away to Arsenal since 1979
- The two sides are only scoring on average one goal per game between them this season in the Premier League
- Mikel Arteta has never lost against Wolves as either a player or manager
Conclusion
This game is unlikely to be a thriller considering the two sides’ respective failures to find the back of the net thus far this season. Arsenal have been struggling as of late, whilst Wolves are in better form but are still to find any sort of consistency. A draw should be expected.
Prediction: Correct Score 1-1
Odds: 5/1
Bookmaker: Betfair
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