Arsenal vs Wolves: Match Preview | Premier League 2022/23

Parth Sante
By Parth Sante
5 Min Read

38 matchdays make up a whole season. A season full of ups and downs has been presented in front of us. Now awaits the season finale, the judgement day. Matchday 38 of 38 presents Arsenal’s last match of one of their best seasons in recent history. It’s Arsenal versus the Wolves.

The marvellous season of Arsenal comes to an end. Falling short of the title, thanks to the inadequate depth of their squad. The season has gone only downwards after the Saliba injury. But looking at it optimistically, it only goes up and up from here onwards. There’s a hunger, a fire in the eyes of the players. The experience of letting go of the prestigious title will serve as a motivation to go all out for the next season. But before that, there’s still a game left.

On the other hand, Wolves have had a pretty below-average season. 13th position is not what they would have expected at the beginning of the season, but it’s better than being relegated. The arrival of Spanish boss, Lopetegui has brought Wolves from the depths of the table to a respectful mid-table position. Now a full season in charge awaits.

Arsenal’s PL form: L L W W L

Wolves’ PL form: D L W L W

WHEN & WHERE?

Where: Emirates Stadium, London.
When: Sunday, 28th May 2023.
Time: 7:00 PM IST / 3:30 PM GMT.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Andre Marriner.
Assistants: Simon Long, Scott Ledger.
Fourth official: James Linington.
VAR: Tony Harrington.
Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt.

TEAM NEWS

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Bukayo Saka, Trossard and Reiss Nelson, all three would be assessed at the last minute. While, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny won’t be able to play the last minutes of the season.

From Wolves, their gaffer Lopetegui will be serving a touchline ban. Sasa Kalajdzic and Chiquinho remain as long-term absentees.

TACTICAL GAME

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Arteta’s philosophy demands a box midfield. It was being achieved by making Zinchenko tuck into the midfield from the left-back position. But since he’s unavailable, an offensive player, preferably the left winger is asked to tuck inside, creating a box structure. Trossard is up for this task. Him alongside Martin, Xhaka (who’ll be playing his last game at Emirates for Gunners) and Jorginho. Bukayo holds up the width on the right side. He acts as the scoring outlet on the left side, making the formation skewed more towards the left. Tierney is back, so Kiwior might get to play a centre role as compared to what was asked in the previous match. Arsenal will possess the ball for a lion’s share of the time. The decisive runs by Jesus can create threats for the Wolves.

Lopetegui assembles the Wolves in a 4-4-2 shape. A Spanish gaffer playing a classic British formation. Julen is a pragmatic coach and this quality has done wonders for Wolves. The defenders are spread accordingly with their on-paper position. But the midfield players are seem to play in a close vicinity. Rúben Neves plays at the heart of this formation. He pulls the string from the deep. Julian has some good players at his disposal like Hwang Hee-Chan, Diego Costa, and Cunha which help the game plan to be executed in a better way.

KEY PLAYERS

Martin Ødegaard

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The left-footed player has been one of the most important players for Arsenal this season. Scoring 15 goals and 7 assists speaks volumes. He’s been phenomenal. He’s totally the one to look for, in this match.

Rúben Neves

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The Captain, Mr. Dependable has given another good year for the Wolves. He has stepped up, whenever asked. Now links with Barcelona suggest an uncertain future with the Wolves. But let’s see, with one match remaining he’ll sure give with 100% to ensure a winning end.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal’s predicted lineup vs Wolves: Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, Kiwior, White; Xhaka, Jorginho, Odegaard; Trossard, Jesus, Saka. 

Wolves’ predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Jose Sa; Gomez, Kilman, Dawson, Semedo; Hwang, Neves, Lemina, Nunes; Costa, Cunha.

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