Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Wolves in the Premier League
Premier league side Arsenal and manager Unai Emery face a daunting task at home when they host lower-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The Gunners coach has come under a lot of criticism from fans and pundits alike after his side failed to grab a win in its last two outings in all competitions.
The most recent one is the 5-4 away loss on penalties to league leaders Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals at Anfield on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Wolves have had a rather slow start to the season after a six-game winless streak as they sit 12th in the table.
Known for springing a surprise against bigger oppositions, Wolves may prove to be an uphill task for Emery and his lads need nothing short of a win to push for a top-four place in the standings.
Team News
Except for Reiss Nelson, who has been ruled out following a knee injury, the Spanish coach can breathe a sigh of relief as he has a fit squad at his disposal.
Predicted XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Bernd Leno (GK)
The German would once again don the keeper’s role as he has been the coach’s first choice, having started in all the league matches this season.
Hector Bellerin (RB)
The Spanish right-back is now back after being sidelined for more than nine months due to injury. He featured in the Carabao tie against Liverpool.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)
The Greek defender still looks rock solid at the back. His one goal and two clean sheets this season could see him get Emery’s backing once again.
David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian centre-back should get the nod ahead of the young Rob Holding, who impressed in the game against Liverpool, as he can be a threat up front during set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney (LB)
The Scottish signing lost a few matches early in the season due to injury, and is fighting for a spot alongside Sead Kolasinac. The former Celtic man has already impressed in the Carabao Cup, and may replace the Bosnian.
Lucas Torreira (CDM)
The 23-year old has had a mixed season, making seven appearances and scoring one goal, and is fighting for a regular spot.
The Gunners coach might pick the Uruguayan instead of Granit Xhaka, after the latter’s latest public outburst in the game against Crystal Palace.
Matteo Guendouzi (CDM)
For someone so young, Guendouzi has been given a lot of responsibilities by Emery. The 20-year old’s inclusion in all the games this season says that he can be someone who can be trusted with it.
Nicolas Pepe (RW)
Arsenal’s big signing has struggled initially to cope with the demands and expectations of the new league. Nevertheless, the Ivorian has shown his worth with a goal and two assists already and looks set for more.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
As evident from the 5-5 draw vs Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, Ozil is a top-quality player and deserves a start in the Premier League.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)
Without a doubt, Aubameyang has been the Gunners’ prolific scorer, with 7 goals from 10 matches. Though he has looked a bit off-colour in the last few matches, somebody of his character will not sit idle for long.