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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta facing three big starting XI decisions vs Wolves

Arsenal travel to Molineux on Wednesday evening and victory over Wolves would see them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points

17:00, 16 Feb 2026

Arsenal Wolves

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Arsenal travel to Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday night

Arsenal are striving to extend their lead over Manchester City to seven points at the top of the Premier League when they travel to Wolves on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta's side are fresh from Sunday's 4-0 blitz of Wigan in the FA Cup but now attentions turn back to the title race following last week's frustrating draw at Brentford.

David Raya will return between the sticks while Arsenal's back-four should really pick itself now William Saliba is fit.

Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from the starting XI against Wigan after pulling up in the warm-up and Piero Hincapie should return at left-back. Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber complete the defence.

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are nailed-on starters but there is a big decision to be made where the attacking midfield role is concerned.

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Eberechi Eze flourished against Wigan and helped himself to two assists from a deeper role following his struggles at Brentford.

Meanwhile, captain Martin Odegaard claims his injury isn't serious which implies he could be in contention to feature at Molineux. Then there's Bukayo Saka, who flourished in a 45-minute cameo as the Gunners' No.10 against Wigan.

It's hard to call who will start there and the decision could also shape who starts on the right flank.

Noni Madueke now has two goals in as many games but Saka is also pushing to start after stepping up his fitness following his return from a hip problem.

Eberechi Eze

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Eberechi Eze is pushing to start for Arsenal vs Wolves

If Saka starts as the No.10, the likelihood is Madueke will start on the right flank but the latter has played a notable amount of football recently.

While Leandro Trossard is the favourite to start on the left, Gabriel Martinelli found the target at the weekend and is gunning for the Belgian's spot.

Trossard will likely start as he's Arteta's go-to guy on the left but Martinelli's inclusion would add speed and directness to the Arsenal starting XI.

In attack, Viktor Gyokeres should start ahead of Gabriel Jesus, even though the Brazilian found the net against the Latics. The Swede has scored six goals so far in 2026 and showcased impressive hold-up play at Brentford.

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