Wolves predicted XI v Arsenal: Rob Edwards’ side face daunting challenge as eager Gunners roll into town (3-5-2) | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to build momentum when they welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Molineux on Wednesday night.

Wolves return to league action after progressing in the FA Cup at the weekend, securing a hard-fought victory over Grimsby Town.

However, Wolves face a daunting challenge against a side pushing strongly for the title and currently setting the pace in the Premier League.

While the visitors are targeting another step towards silverware, Wolves are battling to close the gap to safety, setting up a contest with contrasting ambitions.

Match preview

Wolves enter the fixture boosted by their resilient cup performance, where Santiago Bueno scored the decisive goal in testing conditions away from home.

The defender also produced a crucial last-ditch challenge to preserve the win and send Wolves into the fifth round.

That result followed a gritty goalless draw against Nottingham Forest in which goalkeeper Jose Sa delivered a standout display, making a string of saves to secure a point.

Despite those encouraging signs, Rob Edwards’ side remain rooted to the bottom of the table and face an uphill battle to escape relegation.

Wolves have lost 10 of their 13 home league matches this season, highlighting the scale of the challenge awaiting them on Wednesday.

However, they will take confidence from pushing Arsenal to the brink in the reverse fixture.

Also, the Gunners are under pressure with their lead at the top of the table slashed down to four points and Manchester City breathing down their necks.

That pressure could give Wolves an edge at the Molineux.

Arsenal arrive in formidable form after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup, scoring four goals inside the opening half hour.

Mikel Arteta’s men also sit top of the Premier League, holding a four-point advantage over Manchester City.

The Gunners have lost just one of their last 11 league matches.

They also have a formidable record against sides in the relegation zone, winning their last 14 such encounters by an aggregate score of 40-4.

Match stats

Wolves have lost each of their last nine Premier League meetings with Arsenal. The Old Gold’s last league victory over Arsenal at Molineux came in 2021.

Arsenal have won nine of their last 11 league visits to Molineux Stadium, and it doesn’t help that Wolves have suffered 10 home defeats in the league this season.

Arsenal have scored in each of their last 36 meetings with Wolves across all competitions and will be heavy favourites to come out on top.

Wolves team news

Head coach Rob Edwards has confirmed he will rotate his squad following Sunday’s demanding cup tie, with several players still feeling the effects of the encounter.

Toti Gomes is closing in on a return after injury but is unlikely to be risked for this match, while Hwang Hee-chan remains sidelined as he continues his recovery programme.

Sa, 33, is expected to return between the posts after missing the FA Cup tie.

Up front, Tolu Arokodare is expected to lead the attack once again alongside the ‘incredible’ Adam Armstrong.

The Nigerian forward found the net in the reverse fixture and will be eager to replicate that impact.

Wolves predicted XI (3-5-2)