Prediction: Arsenal vs Wolves

Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to make an early Premier League statement of intent on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Wolves to the Emirates.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, once again falling short last season in the race to get their hands on a first Premier League crown since 2004, Arsenal are desperate to go one-step further this time around. Although the Gunners might have failed to get their hands on a single piece of silverware last year, Mikel Arteta’s squad have continued to receive a string of praise from across the continent. Winning all of their final six Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 16-3, the title contenders will be looking to make an early statement on Saturday afternoon. Pencilled in as a landslide contender this weekend, Arsenal have also gained a fearsome reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, Arteta’s squad registered 24 points from their final nine Premier League showdowns at the Emirates.

Team News

Completing a £40million move from Italian outfit Bologna this summer, 22-year-old Riccardo Calafiori will make his Premier League debut at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, making his move from Brentford a permanent one last month, Spanish goalkeeper David Raya will start between the sticks in north London.

Dealing with a long-term knee injury after arriving from Ajax last summer, Jurrien Timber could make just a third Premier League appearance this weekend. Notching 16 top-flight strikes last season and claiming Arsenal’s Golden Boot, attacking talisman Bukayo Saka will spearhead Arteta’s charge at the Emirates.

Wolves

As for the visitors, while Wolves might have gained plenty of plaudits last season under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, the former Bournemouth boss saw his squad limp over the finishing line. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, the Midlands-based outfit lost all of their final three Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 10-2. Eventually forced to settle for a bottom-half finish, Saturday’s guests also lost five of their last six top-flight showdowns. Facing what will certainly be a monumental challenge this weekend, Wolves should also be concerned by a nightmare record against the Premier League title chasers. Along with winning just one of their 12 historic trips to north London, O’Neil’s side have also lost all of their previous six matchups against the Gunners.

Team News

Watching attacking talisman Pedro Neto complete a move to Chelsea this week, O’Neil will have a real void to fill in the final third. Arriving from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo this summer on an initial season-long loan deal, Norway international Jorgen Strand Larsen will make his Premier League debut at the Emirates and lead Wolves’ charge.

However, in what looks set to be a huge blow for O’Neil’s squad this weekend, Brazilian marksmen Matheus Cunha is not expected to feature after picking up a summer hamstring injury. Shown a straight red card against Liverpool on the final week, Nelson Semedo will miss out through suspension.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Arsenal and Wolves last met back on April 20th, the Gunners collected a 2-0 victory at Molineux.
• Arsenal have won all of their previous six meetings against Wolves across all competitions by an aggregate score of 14-2.
• Wolves lost all of their final three Premier League appearances last season by an aggregate score of 10-2.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests lost five of their final six Premier League appearances last season.
• Wolves have recorded just a single victory from any of their 12 historic trips to north London.

Conclusion

While Arsenal might have eventually fallen short in the Premier League title chase last season, the Gunners have their sights firmly set on finally dethroning Manchester City. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a real purple patch, Arteta’s squad will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off back in May. Winning all of their previous six showdowns against Wolves by an aggregate score of 14-2, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory this weekend.

Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster