Arsenal Starting XI vs Wolves: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal vs Wolves Predicted Lineup and Team News

Arsenal welcome Wolves to the Emirates Stadium knowing that squad management, rather than tactics alone, may define the evening. With suspensions, fitness doubts and careful minutes planning, Mikel Arteta faces a familiar Premier League puzzle, how to balance risk and control while keeping momentum intact.

The visit of Wolves should offer Arsenal an opportunity to consolidate their position, but the context matters. This is a side carrying knocks in key areas, navigating December congestion and leaning heavily on its depth. The Predicted Lineup therefore tells a broader story about how Arteta sees this phase of the season.

Defensive questions shape Arsenal selection

Riccardo Calafiori’s suspension removes one of Arsenal’s more reliable recent performers, forcing a change at left back. Myles Lewis Skelly is expected to step in, a significant responsibility against a Wolves side that looks to exploit wide areas quickly.

The greater concern sits centrally. William Saliba remains a doubt, and Arteta has offered limited clarity on his availability.

“[Saliba] hasn’t trained with us yet,” said Arsenal boss Arteta on Friday morning. “We have an extra day, we train this afternoon. Let’s see if he can be available or not.

“If you asked me [about the] Everton game [next weekend], I think he will be fit. For tomorrow, I don’t know.

“It came from an ankle injury that he had and then it started to modify the way he was running and all that. He started to overload an area, which is something common.”

Photo IMAGO

If Saliba misses out, Jurrien Timber partnering Piero Hincapie becomes the likely solution, provided Timber proves his own fitness. It is not ideal, but it reflects Arsenal’s willingness to trust versatile defenders rather than overhaul the system.

Midfield balance without Rice urgency

Declan Rice’s illness places another variable into the equation, yet this is one area where Arsenal can afford patience. Arteta has alternatives, and the option to deploy Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi together brings a technical, possession focused feel.

That trio has precedent. Earlier this season, Arsenal used Eze and Odegaard as dual No8s against West Ham, prioritising ball progression and control between the lines. Against Wolves, who are comfortable without the ball, that approach could again make sense.

Attacking rotation against Wolves

Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is poised to lead the line after building rhythm in midweek. His physicality and direct running offer a different reference point, particularly useful against deep blocks.

Bukayo Saka’s return feels inevitable after being rested in Belgium, restoring Arsenal’s most consistent attacking outlet. Noni Madueke’s brace against Brugge has strengthened his case to start again, even if that means shifting across the front line.

Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup reflects a team managing minutes rather than reacting to crisis, a subtle but important distinction as winter fixtures stack up.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Wolves

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya, White, Timber, Hincapie, Lewis Skelly, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Eze, Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke

Doubts: Rice (ill), Saliba (ankle), Timber and Trossard (both calf)Injured: Dowman (ankle), Gabriel (thigh), Havertz (knee), Mosquera (ankle)Suspended: Calafiori

Kick off is at 8pm BST on Saturday December 13, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium, live on TNT Sports.