Mikel Arteta to make eight Arsenal changes vs Wolves as £27m star returns

Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road on Wednesday night.

The Gunners dropped points against Brentford (1-1) earlier this month, but they could have easily lost or won that game.

David Raya was superb between the sticks in west London, while Cristhian Mosquera, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes made some crucial blocks too.

Gabriel Martinelli had a golden opportunity to score a late winner, but the Brazilian could not slot his effort beyond the onrushing Caoimhin Kelleher.

Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City was cut short to four points after the stalemate, but they can increase the margin to seven with a victory at the Molineux Stadium.

The Wolves game has been preponed due to the Gunners’ involvement in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22.

Pep Guardiola’s side will have to wait longer for their fixture against Crystal Palace due to the latter’s participation in the Conference League knockout playoff.

The Eagles face Zrinjski in the first leg of the playoff on Thursday night.

Ahead of tomorrow’s game, Arteta could make as many as eight changes to the starting XI from the 4-0 FA Cup fourth round win over Wigan Athletic on Sunday.

Goalkeeper switch

David Raya is an undisputed starter in the Premier League, and he is comfortably leading the Golden Glove race with 13 clean sheets. The Spaniard is expected to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal. He will be eyeing a shutout, having conceded late against Wolves last time around.

Triple change in defence

Ben White dismissed any injury fears with an Instagram update, but he is poised to be replaced by Jurrien Timber at right-back. Similarly, Piero Hincapie should come in for Myles Lewis-Skelly on the opposite end. Riccardo Calafiori is nursing a knock.

William Saliba should be reunited with his regular central defensive partner, Gabriel Magalhaes. Cristhian Mosquera has started the last two games in all competitions. The Spanish ace is expected to drop to the substitutes’ bench tomorrow.

Star midfield duo return

Christian Norgaard had a solid outing in the heart of the midfield and was adjudged the man of the match against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round win. Still, the Dane is likely to make way for Martin Zubimendi in the number six role.

Eberechi Eze got himself a couple of assists against the Latics. He ended a 15-match barren run without a goal involvement. Despite this, the Englishman could find himself on the bench based on Arteta’s comments in the post-match presser.

Declan Rice should come in as the central midfielder, while Bukayo Saka could feature as the attacking midfielder. Arteta said he wanted to try Saka as a number 10 and hinted that he could continue the same experiment in the coming games.

We could see both Saka and Noni Madueke in the starting XI together, from the number 10 and right-wing positions, respectively, with Martin Odegaard doubtful due to a knee concern. Eze could be utilised off the bench if Arsenal struggle to break down Wolves.

Two changes in attack

As mentioned previously, Madueke appears a frontrunner to start on the right wing with Saka operating as a central playmaker. The former has a fine recent record against Wolves, scoring four goals in his last two league appearances, including a hat-trick at the Molineux.

Madueke has been in superb form lately too, with four goal contributions in five appearances and should keep his place. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli could, however, drop to the bench. Viktor Gyokeres is the regular Premier League striker under Arteta’s tutelage.

The Swede has notched up 13 goals this campaign and has netted thrice in his last three league outings. He should lead the line once more. With Wolves set to operate with a low defensive block, Trossard is perfectly suited with his ability to create and score from tight spaces.

The £27 million signing has had a fine season for the Gunners with 15 goal involvements thus far. He has started the last four league appearances and looks poised to be reinstated into the starting XI after coming on as a second-half substitute against Wigan on Sunday.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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