Premier League preview: Wolverhampton Wanderers look to prevent Arsenal's return to form
Arsenal will be looking to revert to winning ways when Arsene Wenger's team travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Wednesday, 10 November.
The Londoners suffered a shock 1–0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, 7 November, their second home defeat this season.
Afterwards, Wenger said skipper Cesc Fabregas had been inhibited by his recent thigh problems in the game, during which Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh, two of Arsenal's best players this season, failed
to live up to expectations.
Against Wolves, the manager will also expect more from Theo Walcott, who has scored seven goals so far this season, a tally equalled by Nasri.
Not even the introduction of Robin van Persie, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury since August, could help the team as they struggled to break through the Newcastle defence.
Meanwhile, Wolves will be looking to exploit the apparent weaknesses in Arsenal's offence by guarding goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann as best they can.
Wolves' committed defending, coupled by occasional trips upfield, nearly earned the team a point against Manchester United on Saturday, 6 November, had it not been for Park Ji-Sung's late solo goal.
Having lost six of their last eight league matches, the odds will not be in Mick McCarthy's team's favour on Wednesday, but the manager will have been encouraged by their resilient display at Old Trafford.
Koscielny suspended for Arsenal
Arsenal appealed against referee Mike Dean's decision to dismiss Laurent Koscielny for obstructing Newcastle's Nile Ranger late in Sunday's game, but the appeal was dismissed by the FA on Tuesday, 9 November.
Without the Frenchman, Wenger will likely opt to play Johan Djourou and Sebastien Squillaci in the heart of defence, with the more proven Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna on either side.
In midfield, Denilson Neves is expected to return from the groin injury that kept him out of Arsenal's recent league fixtures against Newcastle and West Ham United.
van Persie will travel with the team, but it is uncertain whether Wenger will opt to start his injury-ridden striker.
Chances are Chamakh will start as van Persie begins the game on the bench as Wenger looks ahead to Arsenal's game away to Everton on Sunday, 14 November.
Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen and Aaron Ramsey are still sidelined for Arsenal.
Matt Jarvis set for 100th appearance
Wolves have few injury worries ahead of the game that should see midfielder Matt Jarvis make his 100th league appearance for the club. Long-term absentees Michael Kightly, Adlene Guedioura, Jody Craddock
and Ronald Zubar are still out.
Wolves have not beaten Arsenal since 1979, but they have managed to collect 26 wins in 94 league encounters with the London club.
Last season, Nicklas Bendtner's goal earned Arsenal a 1–0 win at the Emirates Stadium while Arsenal hit four past their opponents at Molineux Stadium to win 4–1. In the 2003–04 season, Wenger's team earned
a 3–1 away victory over Wolves.
It cannot be assumed that Wednesday's game will pan out as smoothly for Arsenal.
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