Arsenal are all set to play host to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their first Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on the 17th of August. Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged victorious in their curtain-raisers in the past and the fans expect similar results this weekend. Meanwhile, Gary O’Neil’s Wolves have tasted defeat in the opening game in each of the last three seasons.
The Gunners worked tirelessly to dethrone Manchester City as league champions for the past two seasons but stayed runner-ups in the end. They have the experience to finally change the odds this time around.
The players have shown enough resiliency in preseason games via impressive victories against Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United, and Lyon.
The perfect way to end a positive pre-season 👏 pic.twitter.com/rjEnJu6HO0
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2024
MUST READ: Premier League giants Arsenal could return for ‘world-class’ £111m-rated Serie A striker
Arsenal has had a mediocre transfer window with only one new signing coming in. Riccardo Calafiori will finally know how it feels to play for such a legendary club at one of the noisiest stadiums on the planet.
The manager is expected to field a strong starting XI with most of the key players being available for selection. The Emirates is going to be rocking this weekend.
HERE’S HOW ARSENAL COULD LINEUP AGAINST WOLVES
Defence: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Arsenal’s decision to sign David Raya permanently means that the club has decided to stick with the Spaniard as a key figure to guard the net. Ben White will be a colossal figure on the left side of defence and his contributions on the flanks will be vital once again.
William Saliba has won 49 of his 65 PL games for Arsenal. If he could win one more against Wolves, then he will be the fastest to reach 50 wins for the Gunners.
Arteta will continue to stick with Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, a powerful centre-back duo that gave away the least number of goals in the league last season.
MUST READ: Bayern Munch ace is training alone amid rising interest from English giants Arsenal
Oleksandr Zinchenko has started like a man determined to return the No.17 shirt to its former glory. He got back into business by cementing his name in the squad during preseason games.
The Ukrainian star will keep his place on the right side of defence ahead of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori. The new centre-back signing can get his chance off the bench as the game progresses.
Midfield: Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz
Captain Martin Ødegaard has scored four Premier League goals against Wolves (the most against any English club). He will be a favourite to knock them out early in the contest. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz will be working on starting strong and providing more gravy to this midfield combo.
Declan Rice will return from an exceptional Euros 2024 campaign. He is an undisputed starter for Arteta and his defensive prowess is needed for the host to dominate in the centre of the field.
As per rumours, Arsenal are working to rope in Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino in time ahead of the opening game. However, he won’t be ready to start.
Attack: Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Arteta’s favourite front-line and the one which has provided the most fluid game-play for the manager upfront.
Bakayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli looked sharp in preseason games and the fans would need them to go all guns blazing in the upcoming campaign. Meanwhile, Jesus should prove how important is he when fully fit for his parent club.
MUST READ: Barcelona close in on 22-year-old Spaniard leaving Arsenal scrambling for alternatives
Leandro Trossard can get minutes as a substitute and he has been such a classy player whenever he comes on the field. He is notorious for scoring vital second-half goals when the game looks dead and gone.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Wolves: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
