Premier League: As Arsenal enters another exciting season, they are more focused on their competition and are aiming to approach the games with added maturity. Last season, Arteta’s team came second to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City by just 2 points, narrowly missing out on the top spot in a game that went down to the final day of the Premier League.
Arsenal have one of the most challenging routes – fixture-wise going into this season. Conviction and the desire to win every game while not underestimating any side can take them above the lines. The Gunners have quite a successful pre-season spell—firstly in the USA and then the final two games at the Emirates, where they won 4-1 vs. Bayer Leverkusen and 2-0 in the Emirates Cup match vs. Lyon.
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On the other hand, Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the guidance of Gary O’Neil, will look to start the season with the hope of finishing in the top half of the table and causing issues to the best in the league. Strong strides last season gave the fans hope of European qualifications, but their dismal form at the crunch time of last season saw them finish in 14th place.
Wolves played six friendlies in preseason, including an exceptional 3-0 beating of German side RB Leipzig. Although the friendlies had favourable results, it ended with not so good results with losses against Rayo Vallecano and Crystal Palace.
The Gunners have a better head-to-head record against Wolves, coming to the brink with six consecutive victories—the last loss coming at the backend of the 2020-21 season. Arsenal are expected to march past with ease in this fixture, but can O’Neil Wolves side cause opening day upsets to Arteta’s Reds?
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When and Where?
Date: 17th August 2024, Saturday.
Time: 3:00 PM BST
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Team News
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Arsenal’s versatile defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney won’t be available as they are managing injuries. Jurrien Timber is yet to be assessed following a minor foot injury, and Fabio Viera’s match fitness remains to be a question too.
Arsenal’s most recent signing from Bologna, Riccardo Calafiori, came off the bench in their latest game vs. Lyon and will be expected to be handed his official debut vs. Wolves, although expected to come off the bench. Impressive performances from the academy starlets could see their names on the bench vs. Wolves.
For Wolves, Nelson Semedo will miss the fixture after picking a red card in the final game of the season vs. Liverpool. Daniel Podence will be out of this fixture after nursing a calf injury, with the rest of the squad expected to feature against the Gunners.
Pre-match tactical analysis
Pre-Game Analysis
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Arsenal would look to start their new campaign with a bang—nothing short of 3 points and a good GD. Arsenal have shown an intent of building out from the back—control and dominance in every phase of the pitch. The man-to-man high press, baiting of press in buildup and areas to find central progression have been the norm in order to capsulate any opposition.
Wolves might look vulnerable without the likes of Pedro Neto and Max Killman, who were the recent players to depart from their squad. With their trusted players being in the mix for this game, they may have some huge gaps to fill out in order to sustain Arsenal’s attacking dominance and defensive stability.
Wolves will look to clog the middle of the pitch with 4-5 in the centre and 3 at the back. They would look to deny progression in the middle of the park by staying close to Arsenal’s midfielders and would target their wingers, positioning them in a 2v1.
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Arsenal would need constant overlaps and a good shift from the pivot of Partey and Rice, where one would help solely defensive and the other would cover the ground like a box to box to win the midfield battle. Playing Zunchenko in a game like this could make him the difference maker in progressing the ball and breaking the lines.
This game could give Arsenal massive momentum going forward with the fixtures they have coming their way. Being clinical and taking all the chances that come your way is going to be decisive.
Key Players
Kai Havertz:
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Arsenal’s main strike force leading from the front, had a fantastic season in his debut campaign at Arsenal. Although he’s been used as a LCM/SS hybrid this preseason in order to accommodate Jesus as a CF, he’s expected to start as a CF in the opening fixture. As much as Havertz looks imposing on the ball, his physical attributes make him a real danger man in set pieces on both halves of the pitch. Off-the-ball movements, late box crashing, and clinical link-up play can be vividly expected from Kai Havertz vs. Wolves.
Joao Gomes:
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In the heart of the Wolves midfield lies Joao Gomes, who’s a natural ball runner and progressive passer for the side. Reads the game very well, a relentless presser who can pose questions on Arsenal’s buildup play. Provides stability to the midfield in both attack and defence. His tactical awareness and technicality make him a key player in the fixture vs. Arsenal, especially if Wolves tend to prioritise a mid-block against the Gunners.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Wolves: Raya; White; Saliba; Gabriel; Zinchenko; Partey; Rice; Odegaard; Martinelli; Havertz; Saka.
Wolves predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Lemina, Gomes, Bellegarde; Cunha, Hwang.