On a weekend where Spurs and Man United both lost whilst Chelsea were held to a draw by Burnley, the Gunners also slipped up at home to Palace, dropping all three points. It could have been much worse and maybe it's that bit of luck Arsenal need but on the other side of the coin, it's a huge missed opportunity. No more room for slip ups; it's do or die now as Arsenal visit Wolves knowing a win, in a week (or so) where Spurs have a Champions League semi final, United play City and Chelsea play United, it could be a crucial step in the quest for a top four finish.
After a disappointing home display at the weekend, changes are again likely. Emery made seven changes to his side on Sunday and it proved to not be good enough and it's time the man in charge realises that his reserves just can't cut it at this level, when there is still so much to play for. Pressure makes even the best players crumble at times, let alone young prospects or those already developed to an average level. Sokratis is available again after a two game domestic suspension so he should come straight back in for the woefully below par Shkodran Mustafi. Nacho Monreal missed out altogether on Sunday so he could see some action and remains the best option for the left side of a back three - should Emery go with this shape. It is likely that Emery will go for a back three as it is certainly the best way to tackle Wolves in their own back yard. Maitland-Niles should also return to the starting XI in the right wing back role whilst Sead Kolasinac should continue down the left.
In midfield, Lucas Torreira has to come back in to start. Should Granit Xhaka be available, he too should start. The Swiss midfielder is currently being assessed ahead of tomorrow's game with a hip complaint still him causing problems. If he doesn't make it then Matteo Guendouzi should play ahead of Mohamed Elneny as he provides far more dynamism and clever play than his Egyptian team mate. Ahead, it is surely likely to be a front two of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette with Mesut Ozil in behind again. As a three they weren't perfect at the weekend but nor were they bad. Their defence (and midfield at times) let them down. Yes they could have created more and subsequently scored more but they were three of Arsenal's better players on the day contributing two goals and one assist between them. Should Emery choose to go with a flat back four then Mkhitaryan or Iwobi are in line to take the spare midfield slot. Although in this shape it is also unlikely that we'd see both strikers start in an out-and-out front two. Regardless of shape though, Emery still has some options especially going forward but his midfield engine room really does depend on the availability of Granit Xhaka. He is so sorely missed when not there but is often cited for being just another player when he's in. A trait of a true centre midfield leader, who's talent is only ever missed when he's not there. Denis Suarez continues to be sidelined through injury as do longer term absentees Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck, Rob Holding and Hector Bellerin.
The hosts have been a little up and down of late and since their disappointing exit to Watford in the FA Cup semi final, they have struggled for consistency. Recent losses to Southampton and Burnely but a win against Manchester United very much sums up Wolves' season...they beat the big boys but struggle against the relegation scrappers. Nuno Espirito Santo's men have won thirteen league points against the league's top six sides and on top of that knocked Liverpool and Man United out of the FA Cup. But having only won four points in five games against the league's current bottom three, Wolves very much seem to be a big game team. In their back yard, on what'll be a nice Spring evening, they will be up for another top six scalp as Emery's men come to town. Dangerman Raul Jimenez will be looking to find the net again after a quiet game or two whilst Diogo Jota will be a menace between the lines, floating in and out of play with direct dribbling and creative movement. After getting a rest last time out, midfielder Leander Dendoncker could come back into Wolves' starting XI whilst there are no new injury concerns. Wolves' season certainly holds them in good stead against the league's big boys but history isn't on their side for this fixture as they have never beaten Arsenal in the Premier League in nine previous attempts. It's in Arsenal's hands and after a slack result on Sunday, the Gunners know that there's little room for error and that all three points is a must at Molineux.
Expected Lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
CB: Sokratis
CB: Laurent Koscielny
CB: Nacho Monreal
RWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CM: Lucas Torreira
CM: Granit Xhaka
LWB: Sead Kolasinac
CAM: Mesut Ozil
ST: Alex Lacazette
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Prediction: A nervy 2-1 win for the Arsenal.
@craigbennett10
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