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The stage is set for a compelling Premier League matchup as table-toppers Arsenal entertain rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Team News

Mikel Arteta's side have made three changes from the team that endured a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in their previous outing. William Saliba, the Swedish striker and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino drop to the bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after missing five matches due to injury.

Wolves also have made three adjustments to their starting XI after being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United last time out. The experienced full-back, the Brazilian midfielder and the South Korean forward are recalled. Ki-Jana Hoever and Arias are on the substitutes, while Bellegarde misses out altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Bench: Arrizabalaga, Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes, Doherty, Joao Gomes, Andre Trindade, Krejci, Wolfe, Larsen, Hwang.
Bench: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Match Official: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Welcome! And I mean, c’mon …

The table reveals a clear contrast. Arsenal sit comfortably at the summit of the table, while their opponents prop up the division.

… yet while this will be the 42nd time the top side have played the team at the foot of the division – winning 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – who are responsible for two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be expecting another victory, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs occasionally succeed, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. The action is imminent!

^{(The remaining bottom-beats-top wins in the Premier League era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Spurs – admittedly, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}