Preview: Wolves look to Arsenal clash as Rob Edwards’ defence set for stern test at Molineux

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After beating Grimsby Town in the FA Cup, Wolves’ focus now turns back to the Premier League with Arsenal up next at Molineux.

With their Premier League survival hanging by a thread, Wolves are desperate for a result against the league leaders. However, the odds are stacked against them as they face a formidable Arsenal side eager to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Wolves are firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just nine points from 26 games.

The challenge is stark, as Wolves have lost each of their last nine Premier League encounters with Arsenal, and history doesn’t favour them against teams topping the table.

But Arsenal do arrive at Molineux with their own set of pressures. The Gunners have stumbled recently, winning only two of their last six league matches, which has cut their lead at the top to four points.

That said, Mikel Arteta will see this game as a chance to regain momentum in Arsenal’s title pursuit.

• READ MORE: Wolves secure home tie against Liverpool in FA Cup fifth round

Wolves’ defensive resilience put to the test

Wolves will need to summon every ounce of defensive resilience to withstand Arsenal’s attacking prowess.

With two clean sheets in a row though, there may be an outside chance of keeping the Gunners at bay.

The Wanderers defence is likely to feature a three-man backline of Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno – who Edwards was full of praise for after the win over Grimsby – and Ladislav Krejci, which has often been the trio of choice for the manager in recent weeks.

Wolves remaining solid at the back will only be half the challenge, though.

Because Arsenal boast the league’s meanest defence, meaning the likes of Tolu Arokodare and Adam Armstrong will have their work cut out to find the back of the net.

Midfield battle crucial for Wolves

In midfield, Joao Gomes will be a key figure for Wolves. The Brazilian hasn’t played to the level we know he can this season, but he’s still been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal campaign.

His combative style will be crucial in disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm. But he’ll need to tread carefully, having already accumulated eight yellow cards this season.

He could be partnered by either new signing Angel Gomes or Andre – or potentially even both.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are expected to dominate possession for the visitors, and it will be a case of Wolves disrupting Arsenal’s flow and looking to exploit any opportunities on the counter-attack.

Can Wolves defy the odds?

While the odds are heavily stacked against Wolves, football has a way of producing surprises. Wanderers have shown some glimpses of fight under Edwards, and a spirited performance against Arsenal is not out of the question.

But in all honesty this really will be a huge test for Wolves.

The table doesn’t lie – they’ve been the best team in the league this season. While Wolves have obviously been the worst.

Perhaps the pressure being put on Arsenal by Manchester City though will contribute to some nerves for Arsenal at Molineux.

If that’s to be the case, then it’ll be important for Wolves to be clinical when the chances come.