3 out for Wolves ahead of Arsenal clash

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Wolverhampton Wanderers face a daunting test against Arsenal, as Toti returns but long-term injuries and Arsenal’s dominant record loom large over the encounter.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, led by Vitor Pereira, have received a timely boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal, with defender Toti Gomes returning to the squad.

The Portuguese centre-back has been absent since the turn of the year and, while not yet fit enough for a full 90 minutes, he is expected to play a role in the match at Molineux.

However, the injury list for Wolves is not short, with Yerson Mosquera, Enso Gonzalez, and Sasa Kalajdzic all out with long-term issues.

Meanwhile, new signing Emmanuel Agbadou could make his debut for Wolves, adding a fresh option to Pereira’s defensive lineup.

Despite these minor reinforcements, the challenge facing Wolves is monumental.

Arsenal’s dominance in this fixture has been overwhelming, with the Gunners boasting seven consecutive Premier League victories against Wolves. Arsenal have not tasted defeat to their Midlands counterparts since the 2020-21 campaign and have found the net in each of their last 34 meetings in all competitions, a remarkable streak stretching back to February 1979.

For Wolves, home advantage at Molineux has offered little refuge against Arsenal’s supremacy. The Gunners have won eight of their last 10 Premier League visits to the stadium, an 80% success rate—their best away record against any side they have faced more than five times in the competition.

The odds are further stacked against Pereira’s men, as Wolves have lost 18 of their last 20 Premier League encounters against teams sitting in the top two of the table.

Arsenal, currently second, are brimming with confidence following their midweek dismantling of GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Ødegaard highlighted Arsenal’s attacking depth, although injuries to key players remain a concern for Mikel Arteta.

The absence of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Myles Lewis-Skelly could leave Arsenal vulnerable, particularly in defensive areas. Ben White, recovering from knee surgery, is not expected to return until February, further stretching Arsenal’s backline.

Wolves will undoubtedly aim to exploit these vulnerabilities, especially with Michael Oliver, a referee who has sparked controversy among Arsenal fans in the past, appointed to officiate the match.

While Arsenal are clear favourites to continue their dominance, Wolves have shown on occasion that they can trouble stronger sides.

However, if Arsenal maintain their clinical edge, their unbeaten record against Wolves is unlikely to be tested. As the Gunners look to sustain their Premier League title challenge, this fixture represents another crucial step in their campaign.