Arsenal must overcome the difficulty that a Rob Edwards side poses

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action tonight as they travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.  

The Wanderers are winless in their last six outings.  

Fresh from a 1‑1 draw with Brentford, Arsenal will be intent on seizing all three points. They cannot afford to loosen their grip on the title race, so expect them to go early for the kill in this fixture.  

Even so, the Gunners must cope without Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard who are sidelined through injury.  

There is, however, a significant boost: Ricardo Calafiori and Ben White are fit again and available for selection.  

With just one defeat in their last 11 Premier League matches (seven wins and three draws), the North Londoners are in formidable form.  

It is true however that Arsenal have struggled every time they faced a Rob Edwards side, remember that 4-3 away win at Luton and that game at the Emirates where we needed two own goals to get the better of them?

Arteta, keen to get the better again of a Rob Edwards’ side, could turn to this line‑up:  

Raya

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie 

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard 

The headline talking point is Noni Madueke starting ahead of Bukayo Saka. 

While Saka, fresh from signing a new deal, would have been a popular choice, Madueke is in goal scoring form and Arteta may fancy him to shine again, while keeping Saka fresh for the looming North London derby.  

Arsenal have won nine straight against Wolves, and tonight they will aim to make it ten. A win would see them seven points clear of second-place Manchester City, though having played one more game, a cushion that should instil confidence as the Premier League run‑in sets in. 

The alternative line up to win at Brentford if the returning players do not make it

By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal return to action with a short trip across London to the G-Tech Community Stadium, where they face Brentford.  

Having watched Manchester City ruthlessly dispatch Fulham 3-0 on Wednesday night, the Gunners head into this clash highly motivated to secure all three points. 

For Mikel Arteta and his side, nothing less than victory will do as they look to re-establish their six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.  

History favours Arsenal in this fixture. In the last five meetings, the league leaders have claimed four wins and drawn the other, a record they will be eager to extend with another convincing performance tonight.  

However, Arteta must do so without some of his key players. Mikel Merino remains sidelined, Kai Havertz is out with a muscular issue. 

In addition Leandro Trossard is nursing a cramp and Bukayo Saka remains a doubt. The possible return of Martin Ødegaard, though, may offer a significant boost.

However if the above players are only ready to be on the bench then I will expect Arteta to still field a formidable line-up and he could do it if he goes with:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Gyökeres, Martinelli  

On paper, this XI should have enough to deal with the Bees, who have been quietly impressive under Keith Andrews.  

However if the returning players are ready to start then the starting line up will be fantastic:

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard 

Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard 

Seventh in the table, Brentford have defied expectations. Many anticipated they would struggle following the departures of manager Thomas Frank and key players Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

Yet, Andrews, once the club’s set-piece coach, has inspired a resurgence. With Igor Thiago leading the line, Brentford have rediscovered their bite, recently stunning fellow title contenders Aston Villa.  

That result serves as a timely warning: Arsenal must bring their A-game to avoid any slip-ups that could embolden City in the title race.

Ruthlessness is what counts in a title race. The line up to achieve it.

By Danong 

After punching their way into the Carabao Cup final, set for 22nd March against Manchester City, by beating Chelsea home and away in the two‑legged semi‑finals, Arsenal are back in action this afternoon.  

The Gunners host Premier League newcomers who have stunned many by refusing to be the league’s punching bag. Instead, they’ve been punching way above their weight, establishing themselves as one of the most formidable sides this season.  

The Black Cats’ performances under Regis Le Bris have been nothing short of impressive, losing only six times with nine wins and nine draws.

Recent history favours the North Londoners. In the last five meetings, Arsenal have remained unbeaten, winning three and drawing two. Yet their most recent clash, a 2‑2 draw at the Stadium of Light, showed Sunderland’s mettle and their ability to push Arsenal to the limit.  

Nevertheless, with eyes firmly on the prize, these are the fixtures Mikel Arteta’s men must win.Ruthlessness, not resilience, is what counts in the title race.  

Arteta should go all out with a strong line‑up:  

Raya  

Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard  

Saka, Havertz, Trossard  

If Timber and Saka need a rest or are not ready which may be likely, then no problem, White and Madueke will come in seamlessly! 

Also, if as seems possible Odegaard may not start, then Arteta may well go with Eze again as we may need as much creativeness and ingenuity to break down a likely low block.

Raya  

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Zubimendi, Rice, Eze

Madueke, Havertz, Trossard  

The biggest talking point is Havertz leading the line. It would be a ruthless call to drop Viktor Gyokeres, but the German deserves his chance.

Gabriel Jesus and Gyokeres have both had opportunities to spearhead the attack, but neither has truly hit top form. Havertz, with his versatility and composure, could yet prove Arsenal’s secret weapon in the title race.  

A victory today would temporarily send Arsenal nine points clear of Manchester City. With City facing Liverpool on Sunday evening, a Reds win could hand Arteta’s side a crucial advantage.  

For Arsenal, the message is simple: 

No slip‑ups, no excuses, just three points and momentum towards the crown.

Surprise inclusion in the starting 11?

By Danong 

Arsenal return to action tonight as they host Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.  

Having edged the first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners now have every reason to believe they can finish the job and secure their place in the final.  

Fresh from a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Leeds, Mikel Arteta had the luxury of an almost full squad to choose from, save for Mikel Merino and teenage prospect Max Dowman. Yet, in the warm-up for that game, Bukayo Saka picked up an untimely knock.  

The star boy now joins Merino and Dowman on the list of expected absentees against Chelsea. 

Fortunately for Arsenal, Noni Madueke stepped in seamlessly at Elland Road, delivering a masterclass with both an assist and a goal. 

Arteta will be hoping the winger can carry that momentum into tonight’s clash, helping his side dispatch their London rivals and book a place in the Carabao Cup final.  

Still, Madueke cannot shoulder the burden alone. Arteta would be wise to go strong with his selection, fielding a line-up such as:  

Kepa  

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori  

Norgaard, Rice, Odegaard  

Madueke, Havertz, Martinelli  

Zubimendi can be rested as he has played a lot of games. He can come in to help shore up if needed.

With potential game-changers waiting on the bench, this Arsenal side should prove too powerful for Liam Rosenior’s side.

Even so, Arsenal will relish the chance to dispatch Chelsea at their strongest, underlining their intent to march into the final.