Arsenal vs Wolves: Defences to be on top as form teams clash in rematch of recent battle

Arsenal and Wolves clash at Molineux

If it only feels like a couple of weeks since Arsenal and Wolves last played each other in the Premier League, that's because that's all it actually has been.

Two of the Premier League's form teams go head to head at the Emirates this week as Arsenal host Wolves.

It will be the second meeting between the sides in two weeks after the Gunners' fine 1-0 win at Molineux on February 10 and it is a game that could have real implications for both club's chances of European football next season.

There are currently just two points between them in the table, with Arsenal edging it at the moment having played one game fewer.

When: Thurdsay, February 24

Where: The Emirates Stadium

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Who is the ref for Arsenal vs Wolves

Martin Atkinson will take charge of this fixture and that may not fill Arsenal fans with all that much encouragement.

No referee in Premier League history has given more penalties against Arsenal than Atkinson, who will be officiating Arsenal for the third time this season.

The other two were away at Manchester City (5-0 defeat) and Manchester United (3-2 defeat). Meanwhile, his only outing in a Wolves match this season resulted in a 2-1 win for Bruno Lage's troops over Everton.

Season stats 2021/22: Premier League matches (15), yellows (33), reds (2), penalties (6)

Recent form

Arsenal's recent form is perhaps a little deceiving, with them winning five and drawing one of their last seven Premier League matches.

However, in the middle of that run they played three cup games, losing two and drawing one without even scoring a goal.

Goals have been a little hard to come by in the Premier League recently too, with Arsenal managing just three in their last three games against Burnley, Wolves and Brighton. Still, defensively they have been very impressive and that more than anything has enabled them to keep churning out wins.

Wolves have won five of their last six Premier League games, with the home defeat to Arsenal the only blemish on that record.

Again, a supremely well-drilled defence has been the key to that with just four goals conceded in that run.

Indeed, only leaders Man City have conceded fewer than Wolves this season, but that has come at a cost with two of the current bottom four teams outscoring them too.

Arsenal and Wolves players in form

Bukayo Saka is certainly a man to keep an eye on for Arsenal. The England winger has enjoyed himself of late in the Premier League, scoring four goals in his last five matches.

Wolves have spread the goals around a lot this season, but one man who has been the picture of consistency is goalkeeper Jose Sa, so the Gunners won't be going into this one expecting any gifts.

Last three matches

Wolves 0-1 Arsenal (February 10, 2022)

These sides met just two weeks ago and it will be long remembered for one of the most unusual red cards in memory.

Gabriel Magalhaes got the decisive goal midway through the first half, but the real flashpoint occurred after the break.

While chasing back to try and prevent a Wolves counter attack, Gabriel Martinelli committed two fouls. An advantage was waved for the first, but not the second, and the Argentinian was given a booking for both.

Wolves 2-1 Arsenal (February 2, 2021)

There were more red cards in the previous meeting at Molineux too, with Arsenal again on the receiving end.

Things were looking promising for the Gunners when Nicolas Pepe gave them a lead in the 32nd minute, but things unravelled quickly.

David Luiz was sent off as he gave away the penalty for Wolves equaliser on the stroke of half-time, and Ruben Neves compounded their misery by converting.

Joao Moutinho edged Wolves ahead just after the break before Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was sent off for handling the ball outside of his area late on.

Arsenal 2-1 Wolves (November 29, 2020)

There were no red cards in this one, but that didn't mean it wasn't a miserable day for Arsenal.

Pedro Neto and Gabriel traded first-half goals before Daniel Podence helped himself to the winner three minutes before half-time.

It was a defeat that left Arsenal languishing on 14th position in the Premier League.

Last ten matches

Arsenal wins: 4

Draws: 3

Wolves wins: 3

Arsenal scored: 14

Wolves scored: 10

Managers' thoughts

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is expecting a really tough game against Wolves, who he expects to be competing for a place in Europe right until the end of the season.

"If you look at the last two games and how they played against us, they're going to be up there," he said.

"Our focus has to train well, be ready to play a difficult match and show that on the pitch."

Bruno Lage, meanwhile, has dismissed any idea that there will be any element of revenge in the clash even though his side lost to the Gunners just two weeks ago. Arsenal's exuberant celebrations also annoyed Wolves that day.

"It's not about revenge," he said. "After the game is finished, we shake hands and congratulate them because they won, and move on.

"They did what they did. They held on with 10 men, they closed their goal and they celebrated like us. If I was in their place I would do the same. Maybe I would be more calm to celebrate, but we don't need to talk to the players about that.

"I think it was a good game. I think we played better against Arsenal than against Leicester. We need to play our game against a strong team."

Predicted teams for Arsenal vs Wolves

Possible Arsenal starting line-up: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Lacazette

Possible Wolves starting line-up: Sa; Kilman, Coady, Saiss; Semedo, Neves, Dendoncker, Marcal; Trincao, Jimenez, Podence

Arsenal vs Wolves prediction

These teams have been in great form lately and neither are conceding goals. However, home advantage may just prove decisive so we'll go with another 1-0 Arsenal win, probably laden with a plethora of cards.