Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers:
The dawn of a new season is upon us, and with it comes a new Art of Analysis season of assessment, predictions and overall fandom.
Predicted XI:
Arsenal start the season as joint favourites alongside Man City to win the title. This is Artetas third time going head to head for all the glory against Pep Guardiola and many are touting him to get victory.
In order to do so a strong XI is needed. However, there is certainly a few question marks remaining in this Arsenal side. Most notably at CDM do we play Jorginho? Will Partey ever be fit enough? Can we sign Mikel Merino and remove this problem all together… all signs seem to point this way. However, until then Mikel faces a conundrum.
Alternatively there is the question of the CF role and the 8 on the left hand side. Do we place Rice in CDM, move Kai to 8 and play a newly in shape Gabriel Jesus?
These are the main questions for Mikel in this first week of football. I have gone for a more conservative team line-up. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rice at CDM, Kai in the 8 and Jesus at Striker, should Mikel be in the mood to go for the kill straight away.
Key Stats:
Neither of Arsenal’s last two opening-day wins over Crystal Palace or Nottingham Forest have been entirely convincing, but none of Arteta’s squad – or even Arteta himself – had been born the last time that the hosts failed to score in a competitive game with Wolves.
That club-record streak of 33 should become 34 on Saturday afternoon, as Wolves were inconsistent in the second half of pre-season and should prove no match for an Arsenal unit boasting a fully-fit attacking contingent.
Arsenal have won 10 of their previous 16 meetings against Wolves with 3 losses and 3 draws for the rest. History stands in strong favour with the gunners.
Predictions:
On top of the normal predictions, I wanted to offer something somewhat unique here for this Game week 1. I think Ethan Nwaneri will get a solid 30 minutes from the bench this game. But not just that I think his pace and penetrative style of play will result in him securing an assist too!
- Scoreline: 3 – 0 Arsenal Win
- POTM: Bukayo Saka
- SUGGESTED BET: Arsenal to Win & Over 1.5 goals
Written by Reekesh Somaroo
For Art of Analysis