It doesn’t get much better and bigger than Arsenal’s clash with Wolves this weekend. It’s probably not an overstatement to say that their whole season rests on this match.
It’s been such a disappointing week so far for the Gunners. Defeats to Bayern Munich ended their Champions League campaign, while a loss to Aston Villa last weekend put a huge dent in their Premier League title hopes. Football though can be forgiving and all could change with a win at Molineux.
Three points and Arsenal are back top of the league, and with a midweek game against Chelsea to follow they could really put the pressure on Manchester City. As a result it’s crucial that Mikel Arteta gets his team selection spot on. Thankfully for him football.london‘s Arsenal writers are on hand to decide who they think should start what is probably the most important game of the campaign.
Sam Truelove – Content Editor
Arsenal must win at Wolves on Saturday. Nothing else is acceptable if the Gunners want to remain in the title race and keep the pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool, who have a must-win fixture themselves against Fulham on Sunday.
It was a tired-looking performance against Bayern Munich so I would look to freshen things up slightly. I would bring Oleksandr Zinchenko back into the starting line-up in replace of Takehiro Tomiyasu. The former Manchester City man has not been in the best of form lately but Arsenal really do need the Ukrainian back to his best. Gabriel, William Saliba and Ben White simply have to play in my eyes.
In midfield Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard make up two of the three places. The third could well be between Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe. I really like Smith Rowe, however, and his ball carrying and ability to offer something different could well help unlock a resolute Wolves defence.
Now to the front three. I think Arteta has a huge decision to make regarding Bukayo Saka. The Englishman was ineffective against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich and looked tired, particularly in Germany in midweek. With this in mind I would play Gabriel Jesus on the right, with Kai Havertz up front and Gabriel Martinelli on the left. Saka, of course, can come off the bench if required, but hopefully he’s not needed at all which will mean he is fresh for the Gunners’ remaining five games.
Truelove’s Arsenal XI vs Wolves – Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
Kaya Kaynak – Chief Arsenal correspondent
It’s such a massive game, but with Chelsea on the horizon I think you have to rotate a little bit for Wolves. There are certainly plenty of box fresh players that Mikel Arteta hasn’t used much this season raring to go.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could be one of those at the back. He was great in Munich on Wednesday and I think I’d use him to give Ben White a rest. Oleksandr Zinchenko at left back feels like the right pick too.
In front of them I think you can afford to throw in Thomas Partey here. Declan Rice looks knackered and Jorginho can’t start twice in such quick succession so that’s why. In front of him I’m giving Emile Smith Rowe a much deserved opportunity, while Martin Odegaard can’t be dropped even if his ankles are a bit of a worry now.
Up front meanwhile I’m giving Bukayo Saka a day off and playing Leandro Trossard on the right wing. Gabriel Jesus will be my centre forward to give Kai Havertz some rest, while I think Gabriel Martinelli could have some fun against a depleted Wolves backline.
Kaynak’s Arsenal XI vs Wolves – Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Trossard, Jesus, Martinelli.
