Rob Edwards could bench Angel Gomes against Arsenal, starting Andre instead to offer better defensive stability.placeholder image
Rob Edwards could bench Angel Gomes against Arsenal, starting Andre instead to offer better defensive stability. | Wolves via Getty Images
Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup at home to Arsenal in the Premier League.
Wolves take on one of their biggest challenges yet as they welcome Arsenal to Molineux this Wednesday night.
Wanderers divert their attention back to the Premier League after their gritty 1-0 away at Grimsby Town in the FA Cup. Rob Edwards’ side only just scraped through against the Mariners in some of the muddiest conditions you’ll see in the modern era, but the emotions this Wednesday could be murkier if the Gunners do what’s expected of them.
Mikel Arteta’s men are top of the Premier League and finished first in the Champions League’s league phase, proving themselves as one of Europe’s best teams. Wolves will have to be at their absolute best to hold Arsenal to a draw, let alone to beat them, so a huge challenge awaits.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Arsenal
Edwards didn’t rotate a great deal for the FA Cup clash at Grimsby and he’s unlikely to again, as the head coach tries to keep a core group together. With that in mind, here’s the Wolves XI we think will be named.
GK - Jose Sa: Edwards’ preferred option between the sticks at the moment, Sa is likely to remain as Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper. Sam Johnstone is waiting in the wings, offering strong competition.
RWB - Jackson Tchatchoua: The rapid wing-back did a good job in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle to keep Anthony Gordon at bay, so Edwards may ask similar of him against Arsenal’s talented wingers.
CB - Yerson Mosquera: The Colombian had a poor start to the season but he’s redeemed himself recently. Mosquera still has plenty of potential that Wolves can tap into.
CB - Santiago Bueno: In the heart of the defence, Bueno has been imperious of late and he scored the winner at Blundell Park. The Uruguayan’s performances have been somewhat of a silver lining in Wolves’ awful season.
CB - Ladislav Krejci: Capable of playing in midfield or defence, Krejci was one of Pereira’s better signings. There’s definitely still room for improvement but he’s been good enough to warrant a starting place.
LWB - Hugo Bueno: Seemingly the preferred option at left wing-back instead of David Moller Wolfe, Bueno has the very tricky task of keeping Bukayo Saka at bay.
CM - Joao Gomes: Linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid, Gomes may not be at the club much longer. He’s here for now, though, and should continue to start while he is.
CM - Andre: Edwards could controversially bench new signing Angel Gomes. Andre being in the team could provide some better defensive stability against the Premier League table-toppers, as much as that’s an underwhelming approach.
CM - Mateus Mane: Wolves’ incredible prospect deserves to start every week now he’s made his breakthrough. It won’t be long before bigger clubs come knocking, but Wanderers are expected to rebuff approaches.
ST - Adam Armstrong: The winter signing has started all three games since his arrival from Southampton and there’s no reason for that to change. Edwards will want Armstrong to build up a head of steam before next season.
ST - Tolu Arokodare: Similar can be said for Tolu, who can be an effective outlet up top for Wolves to feed off on counter-attacks. It’s unlikely the Old Gold will have much possession.
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