Arsenal to get the better of Wolves in a tight game
For Unai Emery, this could be his biggest game since he became the Arsenal manager. Bigger than the Europa League final even simply because if Arsenal loses this game he would be one step closer to losing his job.
The chances are he survives a loss today but with Leicester City next, the pressure will be immense. I would suggest unbearable.
The thing is this, Arsenal has the players to be able to take care of teams like Wolves, especially at home but for some reason, they just cannot play a balanced game.
The forward line is formidable, no denying that but the defence and midfield are nowhere near the level required. The defence, as we all know, is as suspect as it comes and the midfield is generally not fit for purpose.
Arsenal cannot take the attitude that they will outscore the opponents. For starters, the midfield simply does not create enough and the forwards cannot do it on their own.
But there is hope on the horizon.
Ozil appears revitalised and he could well be the creative spark required from the middle of the park. Down the flanks, Kieran Tierney will get better the more games he plays and Hector Bellerin is very close to being at the top of his game.
If Emery can get the wing backs and midfield more creative then Arsenal will roll over teams like Wolves. The problem appears to be that the manager is unable to instil that creative spark into the team.
Wolves are dangerous, the showed that at the Etihad against Man City. They defend well, they are quick on the counter and have players that can open up any defence.
The bottom line for me is that if Arsenal can provide a decent service for their forwards and defend better then they will win.
If Wolves contain the Arsenal forward line and counter on a regular basis, they could win. It really is as simple as that.
I have confidence that Arsenal will turn up today and will emerge the winners but it will be tight.
Predicted Score
Arsenal 3-2 Wolves