Prediction: Wolves vs Arsenal

10th April 2012

This game is probably last chance for Wolverhampton to keep their survival hopes alive and close the gap behind safety, but Terry Connor’s side will rue the fact they are facing Arsenal in this crucial encounter. Having won seven of their last eight games in all competitions, the Gunners will fancy their chances at Molineux, especially after the victory over Manchester City cemented the third place in the standings.

Wolverhampton chiefs probably thought that their decision to sack long-term boss Mick McCarthy would shake up the players and inspire them before the final push, but it had just the opposite effect seeing that Wolves lost six straight games after bringing one point from St James Park in Terry Connor’s first game at the helm. In spite of such a terrible run of results, Wolverhampton can still save this season as they are six points adrift of safety, although being completely out of confidence they cannot be expected to stop high-flying Arsenal from winning this game. It appears that even the players themselves have come to terms with relegation to the Championship, with defender Stephen Ward urging the club chiefs not to sell star players if Wolves go down. In such a situation it is hard to expect that the hosts can do more than put up a decent fight against the Gunners, and it is no wonder odds on away win are shortening by the minute.

Arsenal fans have witnessed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes this season and even if the Gunners once again failed to win a single trophy, everybody at the club can be happy that the team finally started to show its full potential. Numerous problems Arsene Wenger’s side experienced this season only made them stronger, while the likes of Alex Song, Theo Walcott and Wojciech Szczesny showed they have finally matured enough to become key players in the side. As a result, the Gunners have been absolutely brilliant over the last few months, with the run of seven wins in last eight games even more impressive when we know that sides like Tottenham, Liverpool, Milan, Newcastle and Manchester City were all outclassed and beaten by Arsene Wenger’s men. After Arsenal helped arch rivals United by beating Manchester City at the Emirates, they should have an easy job against rock-bottom Wolverhampton, a team that lost last six Premier League games. Andre Santos returned into action after recovering from injury, but Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin are not yet ready to return.

Conclusion

Arsenal are few classes above Wolverhampton at the moment and being on top of their game the Gunners are expected to record a comfortable victory at Molineux. The hosts are aware that a defeat to Arsenal would virtually end their survival hopes and that extra pressure is unlikely to help in any way.

Verdict: Arsenal with -1.5 Asian handicap

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Paddy Power