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The stage is set for a intriguing top-flight contest as table-toppers the Gunners host rock-bottom Wolves to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Arsenal have introduced a trio of alterations from the side that endured a 2-1 loss at Aston Villa last weekend. The French defender, the Swedish striker and the Brazilian winger are all included in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while the Italian defender is absent. Saliba returns after sitting out a run of games due to injury.

Wolves also have made three changes to their lineup after being skelped 4-1 at Molineux by Manchester United on Monday evening. Matt Doherty, the Brazilian midfielder and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Ki-Jana Hoever and Jhon Arias are on the substitutes, while Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde misses out altogether.

The Teams in Full

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.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
Video Assistant Referee: John Brooks

Match Context

Good evening! Because, c’mon …

The standings tells a stark story. The hosts sit proudly at the top of the table, while their opponents prop up the league.

… however, even though this will be the 42nd occasion the Premier League leaders have taken on the side propping up the division – with 30 out of 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, that’s who! Therefore, although the Arsenal manager will surely be anticipating another three points, Rob Edwards must know that long shots sometimes succeed, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8 o'clock in the evening GMT. It’s on!

^{(The other two last-over-first victories in the modern top-flight era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – yeah, a surprising one - defeating Liverpool in November 2008.)}