Arsenal could not have dreamt of being in a better place coming into December having confirmed top spot of Group B in the Champions League and propping up the Premier League table after victory against Brentford last time out. Last Word on Football predicts an unchanged lineup as they host Wolves this Saturday.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Watch: The Premier League BIG SIX are in EVEN BIGGER DANGER.
How Arsenal Have Lined Up Recently
The Gunners were at full strength as they demolished Lens 6-0 on Wednesday night to cement their place into the knockout rounds of the Champions League. David Raya reclaimed the goalkeeping gloves after being unavailable for selection against Brentford in the solid 1-0 victory.
A lot of Arsenal players have been in good form of late but no one more so than Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The 25-year-old was branded ‘terrific’ by his manager and looks to make it his sixth successive start for the Gunners. With a new deal imminent, Tomiyasu looks to keep out the consistent Ben White at right back who himself has only recently returned from injury.
Read More: ‘Arsenal Identify Potential Ben White Replacement In ‘Fearless’ Serie A Youngster’
After a slow start to his new surroundings, summer signing Kai Havertz comes into the clash with Wolves with two goals in as many matches including finding a late winner against Brentford from off the bench. Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice completed the midfield trio as they both continue to prove how essential they are going to be for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s attacking fluidity has been questioned of late as they look to prioritise defensive solidity and control. But any doubt of the quality of the Gunners’ attack was swept away with the emphatic six-goal win with six different goal scorers.
Changes We May See
In defence White may feel aggrieved if he were to miss out this weekend having been so important to the successful season last year. But the Englishman will no doubt play a huge role for Arteta with the hectic Christmas schedule on the horizon.
Read More: ‘Anything Can Happen’: Fabrizio Romano Reports That £104M Star’s Agent ‘Held Talks’ With Arsenal
Leandro Trossard was just beginning to take over the high left eight role before Havertz began to show the reason why Arsenal splashed £65 million on the German international in the summer. Nevertheless, the versatile Belgian is one of the smartest attackers at the manager’s disposal and if he misses out against Wolves, he is likely to start at Luton on the following Tuesday.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
The options the Gunners now possess in almost every position make them tactically a nightmare to break down for whoever the opposition. The shape out of possession has been dramatically improved this campaign likely aided by the addition of Rice at the base of the midfield. The former West Ham player’s defensive solidity means that Zinchenko from left back can create even more of a threat when he inverts from left back.
Arsenal Injuries to Consider
The November international break came at a good time for Arsenal with White, Odegaard and Jesus all welcomed back. But the North London side still find themselves missing Thomas Partey, Emile Smith-Rowe, and most recently Fabio Vieira, as well as long-term absentee Jurrien Timber. Academy graduate Smith-Rowe is expected back before Christmas but the remaining are unlikely to be back in action until the new year.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Raya, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
