Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Wolves as Mikel Arteta takes risk for must-win game

Arsenal team news: Predicted XI vs Wolves as Mikel Arteta takes risk for must-win game

Goalkeeper: Raya
Inevitably David Raya keeps his place in goal for the trip to Wolves. The Spaniard will be desperate to keep a clean sheet after some uncharacteristic defensive performances from his team in recent weeks, with mistakes creeping in as a result of an exhausting season to date.

Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
Arteta is unlikely to gamble when it comes to rotating dependable trio Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel despite tiredness affecting the team in recent weeks. One star he may risk though is Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is under pressure after a sloppy display in the defeat to Aston Villa.

Takehiro Tomiyasu may do well to play two games in quick succession given his recent injury problems, and Arteta will bank on Zinchenko breaking down Wolves with the Gunners set to have the majority of possession. Therefore, he gets the nod over Jakub Kiwior in defence.

Arsenal Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Mikel Arteta may start Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back despite his struggles against Aston Villa 
Midfield: Rice, Partey, Odegaard
Arteta has more big calls to make further up the pitch, starting in midfield. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, providing he is fit to start from the off after an injury scare against Villa, will likely line-up in the middle of the park - with the duo proving absolutely crucial to their title push.

But Arteta may look to start Thomas Partey from the off instead of Jorginho, having seemingly recovered following his hamstring injury earlier this season. The Ghanaian's inclusion would give Arsenal some much-needed energy and power in midfield following some worryingly leggy performances of late. His ability to dominate the ball and turn defensive in attack could prove vital against Wolves.

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Arsenal FC Training Session
Thomas Partey could be handed a rare start after an injury-plagued season 
Attack: Trossard, Saka, Jesus
Fresh legs are also needed in attack as Arsenal desperately search for the win away at Wolves, who have plenty of injury problems of their own. Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus both came on late on in the defeat to Bayern at the Allianz Arena and they could both start as Arteta looks to change things up and ease the workload on stars, including Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.

While there remain fears over Saka's fitness, he still surely remains a shoo-in to start. He is Arsenal's biggest game-changer and it would be a big risk for Arteta to leave him out in the midst of this dramatic title race if he is able to take to the pitch.

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