Arsenal's Predicted Line-up against Wolves

On Sunday, Arsenal welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates. Having been on an unbeaten run since losing to Chelsea, Unai Emery’s men would want to return to winning ways after drawing three of their last four games.

Against Crystal Palace, the Gunners never got going whereas they were unlucky to not come away with the three points against Liverpool. Though the Gunners sandwiched a league cup victory against Blackpool in between, they have hit a rocky patch in terms of results recently.

In the Europa League, they stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal booked their place in the next stage of the competition courtesy the draw yet would’ve liked to continue the winning momentum. However, the Gunners could be forgiven for the draw as they were visibly shaken after Danny Welbeck’s horrific lower leg injury.

The England international now faces a lengthy spell on the side-line and with him out of contract in the summer, one could well have seen him in action for the last time in an Arsenal shirt.

Thus, the match against Wolves represents an emotional moment for all of Arsenal’s players and fans. The football calendar is hardly the most forgiving of schedules. Despite one of their very own enduring a battle to save his career, the Gunners would need to focus and bring their ‘A’ game when the impressive Wolves come calling.

Looking ahead to the game, Emery would not be having a lot of selection headaches with a majority of his first-choice eleven in fine fettle. Through this article, we would look at the probable eleven that Arsenal might field in their quest to gain an edge over their rivals.

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Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno

The German has impressed since replacing an injured Petr Cech mid-game against Watford. While Leno still has room to improve with regards to his handling of crosses, his composure with the ball at his feet has given Arsenal a new dimension.

Emery is an ardent follower of the ‘playing out from the back’ philosophy. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Leno fits his bill much more than Cech. Leno’s ability to double up as a ‘sweeper keeper’ adds another string to his bow. Additionally, the German has displayed exemplary technique when it comes to shot-stopping.

Leno has numerous facets going his way in his battle with Cech for the ‘No.1’ spot. Thus, one can expect him to start in goal when Wolves arrive on Sunday afternoon.

Defense: Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Sead Kolasinac

The only point of contention in the back-line would have been Mustafi’s place. While the German has all the attributes to succeed as a Premier League center-back, he is extremely error-prone, thus making him a liability at times.

Over the past few weeks, Sokratis’ injury has meant that Mustafi has continued alongside Holding. However, in mid-week, Sokratis turned in a commanding display against Sporting Lisbon, leading many to believe that Sokratis could make his first league appearance since limping off against Everton. While Sokratis and Holding could be the ideal combination moving forward, Emery would not want to risk the Greek after his injury history.

The other spot up for debate is the left-back slot with Kolasinac and Monreal fighting for the said position. Though Monreal is back in training, the game against Wolves might just have come a little too early. With the Gunners short-handed in the fullback zone, a recurrence of an injury is the last thing Emery would want.

Arsenal started the Liverpool game with the same back-four and they kept the Liverpool attackers relatively quiet throughout. With Wolves not presenting as much a threat as their Merseyside counterparts, Emery is likely to continue with the same combination.

Midfield: Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira

The easiest selection of all. The duo was simply outstanding in the game against Liverpool. They dominated midfield and kept Liverpool’s midfielders from creating significant chances.

Moreover, the pair looked accomplished in possession with Torreira playing the passes that linked the defence to attack and Xhaka distributing the ball efficiently. Defensively, Torreira covered the spaces between the midfield and the defence line which cut out a number of passing lanes for Liverpool. With Torreira alongside, Xhaka finally looks primed to unlock his vast potential.

Arsenal fans would hope that the partnership between Xhaka and Torreira can keep going from strength to strength. The Gunners have lacked a strong central partnership since the days of Gilberto Silva and Patrick Viera. Though it is too early to compare the legendary duo with the pairing in question, performances similar to the one against Liverpool would certainly put them on the right path.

Hence, it should come as no surprise if the duo starts together against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Attack: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, Alex Iwobi and Alexandre Lacazette

For the first time under Unai Emery, all four of Arsenal’s biggest stars, Lacazette, Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang and Ozil started in tandem. While Lacazette, Aubameyang and Ozil influenced the game, Mkhitaryan was on the periphery throughout and was also guilty of spurning a couple of goal-scoring opportunities.

Against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, the Armenian was as poor, if not poorer. Selected in the side alongside young guns like Smith-Rowe, Welbeck, Iwobi and Guendouzi, the creative responsibility fell on him yet he was unable to create anything of note.

On the other hand, Iwobi looked lively throughout and caused the Lisbon-based outfit problems with his direct and dazzling dribbling abilities. Moreover, the Nigerian also provided the assist for Lacazette to fire home against Liverpool.

Iwobi has looked a man reborn since the arrival of Emery and seems to be firmly in the manager’s plans moving forward. Thus, it won’t come as a surprise if he is given the nod against Wolves.

As for the other three in question, the triumvirate have developed a wonderful understanding on the pitch and combine well with each other.

Staying true to the old adage ‘Why fix if it isn’t broke’, Emery looks likely to start the trio together for the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on Sunday.