Game Week 1 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Wolves at the Emirates

Arsenal's EPL opener vs. Wolves: Can the Gunners start strong after last season's heartbreak? Key players, team news, and match predictions.

Arsenal's quest to wrestle the title from Manchester City begins here, will they start with a flourish? (Photo credit: Arsenal.com)

 Arsenal vs. Wolves

Emirates Stadium

3:00pm

Thirteen weeks after the heartache of last season, the Gunners are back at it again, ready to give it a go again. After being runners-up twice to Manchester City, is this the season Arsenal finally lands the Premier League title that has eluded them for twenty-one years?

The Wolves had a torrid end to their season last term, but you could argue it was down to injuries and the fact that they're already safe. Gary O’Neil did a good job steering them clear of the relegation zone; now it’s time to consolidate on that.

Wolves isn't the same as they were last season; they lost their best player, Pedro Neto, to Chelsea, and several players are still dealing with injuries. However, with the addition of a few players, they may have enough to avoid relegation.

Ricardo Calafiori, who joined from Bologna, is the only new addition to Arsenal's first team, while David Raya's loan deal has become permanent. This means that Aaron Ramsdale continues to be the Gunners' second choice in goal.

Thomas Partey has had a full preseason devoid of injuries and off-field issues; this counts a lot for the Gunners, who saw what the Ghana midfielder can do at the tail end of last season. With Declan Rice sitting in the middle, the partnership could earn Arsenal lots of points this season.

Wolves haven’t enjoyed playing against Arsenal anywhere in recent seasons; the West Midland club has lost each of their last six meetings with the Gunners and could well make that seven if they don’t come up with the goods at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Wolves will set up to counter the Gunners on the break; they must defend deep as a unit to stand a chance of earning anything from the game. Due to Nelson Semedo's suspension from the previous season, Gary O'Neil will need to devise an alternative defensive strategy.

Arsenal is anticipated to field a lineup similar to their previous season, with Alex Zinchenko or Mikel Arteta potentially making their debut on the opening day. It is certain that the center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Maghalaes will return.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz are the men upfront, but Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus will offer options from the bench. Wolves will need more than luck to get anything from this game, but if Arsenal wants to fight Manchester City this season, it starts here.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.