Wolves vs Arsenal Preview: Team News, Lineups & Key Talking Points

Arsenal travel to Molineux on Wednesday evening with the opportunity to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League table to seven points. Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit four points clear of Manchester City and will aim to maximise a fixture rescheduled from next month’s Carabao Cup final weekend.

The North London club face City at Wembley on 22 March 2026, but immediate focus returns to league business after a frustrating 1–1 draw at Brentford. That result narrowed the gap at the summit and highlighted the need for sharper execution in decisive moments.

Wolves, meanwhile, endure a difficult campaign. The Midlands side sit bottom of the table with nine points from 26 matches. However, an FA Cup victory at the weekend has offered a measure of confidence. In the reverse fixture back in December, Wolves pushed Arsenal to the limit before conceding a stoppage-time own goal in a 2–1 defeat.

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Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, 18 February 2026
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
• Referee: Paul Tierney
• VAR: Michael Salisbury
• Last Meeting: Arsenal 2–1 Wolves (13 December 2025)

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Team News

Wolves

Head coach Rob Edwards is expected to rotate after a demanding FA Cup tie on a heavy pitch. Hwang Hee-chan has been ruled out for several weeks with a calf injury, while Toti Gomes continues to recover from a hamstring issue sustained in the reverse fixture.

José Sá, Matt Doherty and Hugo Bueno could return to the starting XI. Midfielder André faces a late fitness assessment due to a minor calf concern.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta confirmed that Martin Ødegaard (knee) and Kai Havertz (muscle) will miss this fixture but are hopeful for the weekend’s North London derby. Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a longer-term foot injury.

There is more positive news in defence, with Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White available following minor issues. Bukayo Saka is expected to start again after successfully returning from a hip concern.

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Form Guide

Wolves

Wolves have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. They have lost 10 of their 13 home league fixtures (W1 D2) and have drawn blanks in 14 matches — the highest total in the division. Despite this, they have shown the ability to disrupt top opposition, including a notable victory over Manchester City earlier in the season.

Arsenal

Arsenal have been one of the strongest travelling sides in the league. They have won nine of their 11 Premier League visits to Molineux — an 82% success rate — and have scored in each of their last 36 meetings with Wolves. The Gunners have also won every Wednesday fixture across all competitions this season.

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Predicted Lineups

Wolves Predicted XI

Sá; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; R. Gomes, A. Gomes, Mane, J. Gomes, H. Bueno; Armstrong, Arokodare

Arsenal Predicted XI

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

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Match Outlook

This fixture presents a contrast in objectives. Arsenal seek control, territorial dominance and efficiency in front of goal as they push for the title. Wolves, by contrast, must balance defensive structure with moments of transition threat.

If Arsenal impose rhythm early and convert territorial advantage into clear chances, their quality should prevail. However, if Wolves disrupt tempo and capitalise on transitional moments, the match could become more unpredictable than the league table suggests.

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