Football.London reporters Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor pick their Arsenal starting XIs for the Premier League clash against Rob Edwards' struggling Wolves
13:46, 12 Dec 2025
Viktor Gyokeres
View Image
Viktor Gyokeres started in midweek against Club Brugge for Arsenal and will be hoping to keep his place ahead of the visit of Wolves
Arsenal can restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday evening when Rob Edwards' Wolves visit the Emirates Stadium.
Given Manchester City do not play until Sunday, when they travel to south east London to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the Gunners can relieve some of the pressure at the summit if they take care of business against the division's basement boys.
Mikel Arteta does not have any fresh injury problems following the midweek Champions League win at Club Brugge, however, there are question marks over the availability of Declan Rice, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard.
Here is how Football.London reporters Tom Canton and Ryan Taylor feel the Gunners could look when their starting XI is confirmed on Saturday.
Tom Canton
I want to see Gabriel Jesus start this game. I think it has been earned and what we saw in Belgium has raised my level of expectation for him.
Arsenal look cleaner, more threatening and more like themselves with free-flowing interchanging plays with the Brazilian in the team.
Elsewhere, I cannot risk William Saliba yet if he is not completely ready, not with another week off and then a vital trip to Everton where hopefully he can face with the utmost freshness.
I would go with Zubimendi and Rice in midfield with Eze, dropping Odegaard to the bench. It feels harsh to drop Noni Madueke but he can bring impact from the bench and Bukayo Saka absolutely needs to start this game.
Viktor Gyokeres and Odegaard being available from the bench can keep the pressure on as the game matures. However, in all likelihood, I expect Arteta not to make so many changes.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Wolves – Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Ryan Taylor
Injuries will obviously shape Mikel Arteta's team selection but I'm still expecting a refresh after that sixth consecutive Champions League win over Club Brugge.
If he's ready, Jurrien Timber slots in at centre-back in place of Christian Norgaard. Riccardo Calafiori is, of course, suspended.
Then there's plenty to ponder in midfield, too and I'm expecting Martin Zubimendi to start with the returning Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze in midfield.
Martin Odegaard has played a lot of football since bouncing back from his knee injury, perhaps it's now time to give him a little break.
There's a big call to make in attack. Bukayo Saka should come back in on the right and I reckon Gabriel Martinelli should keep his place on the left. It's maybe harsh on Noni Madueke after his brilliant brace but he will definitely get a fair chunk of minutes from the bench.
I think Arteta will give Gyokeres the nod as the striker. He needs a goal as there's been lots said about the Swede since he returned from injury.
If Mikel Merino hadn't played 90 minutes in midweek, I suspect he might have started in attack. Gabriel Jesus could also be in line for another cameo from the bench after impressing in Bruges.
Given Arsenal now have a full week of rest before the trip to Everton, I expect Arteta to go slightly stronger than some may envisage. Taylor's Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Article continues below
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts