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The stage is set for a compelling top-flight matchup as table-toppers the Gunners entertain struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers to the Emirates Stadium.

Confirmed Sides

Arsenal have opted for three changes from the team that suffered a narrow defeat at Aston Villa last weekend. The French defender, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli all start in the starting eleven. Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino are named on the substitutes' bench, while Riccardo Calafiori is not involved. The centre-back is back after sitting out a run of games due to injury.

The visitors also have made three changes to their lineup after being heavily defeated 4-1 at Molineux by United on Monday evening. The experienced full-back, João Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan come in. Hoever and Jhon Arias drop to the substitutes, while Bellegarde is not in the squad altogether.

Confirmed Lineups

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Hincapie, Timber, Eze, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes, Doherty, Joao Gomes, Andre Trindade, Krejci, Wolfe, Larsen, Hwang.
Subs: Tchatchoua, Mane, Lopez, Hoever, Chirewa, Arokodare, Arias, Santiago Bueno, Jose Sa.

Referee: Robert Jones
VAR Official: John Brooks

Preamble

Welcome! Because, c’mon …

The table reveals a clear picture. Arsenal sit comfortably at the top of the table, while their opponents anchor the division.

… yet while this will be the 42nd occasion the top side have played the side propping up the division – with 30 victories from 41, with seven tied games – which team is behind two of the four historical shocks? Why, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course! Therefore, although Mikel Arteta will surely be anticipating another victory, Rob Edwards must know that underdogs occasionally come off, and you never know. Kick-off is at 8pm GMT. Let's go!

^{(The remaining last-over-first victories in the Premier League era are Oldham Athletic's 1-0 win over Manchester United in March 1993, and Tottenham Hotspur – admittedly, this one sounds a bit weird - beating Liverpool in November 2008.)}