On Saturday, Wolves face an Arsenal side who are there for the taking. Wolves were able to get 4 points from last seasons battles, nearly winning at the Emirates but for an 86th minute goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
It is essential that Wolves win three key match-ups to get 3 points against Arsenal this time around.
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Connor Coady vs. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:
Wolves fans were dealt a ‘big blow’, with the announcement of a long-term ankle injury for Willy Boly. Therefore, Captain Coady will have to step-up and lead the defence. Luckily for us, Arsenal rarely launch high balls into the box. This makes the lack of height in the Wolves defence less of an issue. However, the pace and skill of Aubemeyang is not to be scoffed at as the striker from Gabon already has 7 goals in just 10 Premier League games this season.
Therefore, Coady will have to be at his best for Wolves to win this key match-up vs. Arsenal. Not just with individual defending but through organising whoever else Nuno picks in the back three.
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João Moutinho vs. Matteo Guendouzi:
For Wolves to be successful on Saturday it is vital we compete in midfield. Guendouzi will likely get the start in the centre of the pitch, next to Lucas Torreira or Granit Xhaka. Whoever is selected for the Gunners, Moutinho will be key in winning the match-up in the middle.
The Portuguese will need to win tackles, intercept passes and start breaks forward for Wolves to stop a dangerous Arsenal side. He will also need to keep possession well to ensure we are not hit on the counter.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota vs. Sokratis Papastathopoulos and David Luiz:
Wolves’ two forwards have a real opportunity to create chances against a shaky Arsenal defence. The Gunners have already conceded 14 this season , and their two centre-backs rarely look comfortable.
Jimenez and Jota showed last season what a devastating partnership they can have, scoring 22 goals combined. Also, with us likely to be playing on the counter-attack, this is a perfect chance for the pairing to reignite themselves this year.
Hopefully Wolves can exploit these 3 key match-ups against Arsenal to get us an important victory.