Arsenal host Wolves in a game of huge significance

  It's a straight battle between Wolves and Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday in the battle for the top 4. who will come out tops? (Ph...

 

It's a straight battle between Wolves and Arsenal at the Emirates on Thursday in the battle for the top 4. who will come out tops? (Photo credit: Football London)

Arsenal vs Wolves

Emirates Stadium

8:45pm

Top four is blown wide open and Tottenham is looking like the one behind now after another loss at Burnley on Wednesday night, leaving Westham, Manchester United, Arsenal and Wolves with the advantage in the race.

Arsenal have three games on Manchester United who helped themselves to a 4-2 win over Leeds United on Sunday, a result that took them 4 points clear in the top four fight, you’re only as good as the points you have and no one counts points that aren’t won yet, Arsenal and Wolves have it all to do.

Arsenal beat Wolves in the reverse fixture with a performance that will encourage their fans because on other days in the past, their team would have lost considering the fact that Gabriel Martinelli was sent off in a bizarre manner;

The Brazilian was booked twice in the same passage of play, to be fair to the Arsenal youngster, he was fouled in the process but Michael Oliver thought otherwise, Arsenal dug deep and remained resolute to grind out the win.

Wolves beat Leicester City on Sunday to fully throw their hats in the top four ring, it was a hard-fought win in the Molineux wind, holding on despite how the Foxes charged at them in the final few minutes, the grit and determination will be needed in the run in.

The momentum is actually with both sides, Arsenal also beat Brentford but conceded a late goal that was quite contentious, no clean sheet for the defense but the three points earned meant they’re now favorites for the fight.

How will they both line up on Thursday? It’s like a final as a win will take the visitors above Arsenal although they have played a game more, Arsenal will go five clear of Bruno Lage’s side if they beat Wolves on Thursday and also with a game in hand.

Wolves are defensively solid, they hardly concede but they don’t score much as well, they will put all their men behind the ball at the Emirates and then hope to catch Arsenal on the break, Daniel Podence was their weapon against Leicester, they will call on him again this time.

Arsenal can recall Martinelli after serving his ban, Takehiro Tomiyasu is available for selection too but Cedric Soares can continue at right back, Emile Smith-Rowe is on fire in front of goal but will Mikel Arteta hand him a starting role?

Wolves completed a double against Arsenal last season, but they would remember the Emirates for that horrific injury on Raul Jimenez, the Mexican will look to put the nightmarish day at Arsenal behind him with a solid performance, it’s a game to look forward to.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals