Arsenal are back in Premier League action after a frustrating January transfer window coupled with results and will be looking to redeem themselves in what looks like a difficult tie away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Things have not gone down well with Gooners – especially after they were held to a goalless draw by Burnley before the international break – making it five games without a win and four without a goal in all tournaments.
The Gunners only have the top four left to fight for now and enter Thursday’s game lying sixth in the table and within touching distance of Manchester United – who have played a game more – so the onus is on their depleted attack to deliver the good.
Whereas, Bruno Lage’s side , one of the most impressive in the league thus far, sit only two points off Arsenal and remain an outside bet of qualifying for the Champions League.
Where the hosts’ biggest strength lies is in their defence, and midfield.
A goal tally of just 19 in 21 matches is paltry, but they’ve been kept well in the hunt for European football on account of their superb defensive record(16) only bettered by Premiership defending Champions Manchester City.
Head-to-head
Wolves have lost only one of the past six Premier League meetings.
Joao Moutinho of Wolves celebrates scoring their 2nd goal in a victory over Arsenal at Molineux last season.(Getty Images)
However, Arsenal have won on five of their seven most recent league visits to Molineux. Only Liverpool have won more away games against Wolves in the Premier League.
Team News
Arsenal midfielders Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are available again after their recent bans, affording Arteta more options in midfield.
Mohamed Elneny, however, is unlikely to feature given his recent exploits in the Africa Cup of Nations. While Takehiro Tomiyasu is an injury doubt.
“He’s there. He had a recurring injury in the same place so we have to be careful with him, but he’s been training hard. Let’s see if he’s available or not,” said Arteta.
Wolves
Romain Saiss and Francisco Trincao are back for Wolves. Jonny (knee) and Hwang Hee-chan (hamstring) face late fitness tests, but Pedro Neto (knee), Yerson Mosquera (hamstring) and Willy Boly (calf) are out.
Stats
Wolves have scored more goals in their last two games (5) than they had managed in the previous nine (3) in the Premier League.
Only Burnley and Norwich have scored fewer goals than Wolves this season in the Premier League.
Wolves have won their last 3 games in the Premier League.
This season, Arsenal and Wolves are yet to concede a goal from a corner in the Premier League.
Date, kick-off time and venue
The Premier League game is scheduled for a 7.45pm GMT (UK time) kick-off on Thursday February 10th at Molineux stadium 🏟
Wolves vs Arsenal prediction
Wolves and high-scoring affairs do not go hand in hand especially at home.
Only eight of Wolves’ Premier League goals this season have come at Molineux – where they have won just one of their last four in the league – whilst conceding eight also in the proces but Arsenal’s lack of attacking inspiration is often well-documented.
Arsenal failed to see back of the net more than once in January albeit playing 5 matches in the process and tonight Arsenal’s attacking options will once again be called into action against a defensive and stubborn Wolves side and if Arsenal produce a performance as dire as their one against Burnley before the international break, their lack of activity last month will only come under further scrutiny.
However, Arsenal possess a lot of Arsenals in their disposal to earn an hard-fought 3 points against the Bruno’s side.
Both team to score and Arsenal to win 2-1