Arsenal visit Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners sit second in the English top flight, six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
As a result of this points deficit, Mikel Arteta’s team cannot afford another slip up if they want to remain in the title race.
Arsenal strolled past Dinamo Zagreb in midweek, although they can expect a much sterner test against relegation-threatened Wolves.
Arteta revealed that William Saliba could be fit for the clash with the West Midlanders, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also faces a late fitness test ahead of the encounter.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Wolves
Ethan Nwaneri and Riccardo Calafiori are both back in contention for Arsenal after featuring in the squad against Zagreb.
Despite these returns, the Gunners remain short in several areas of the pitch.
David Raya will start in goal again, while Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes are almost guaranteed places in the back four.
While Arteta was coy on Saliba’s availability, the Spaniard was certain that the Frenchman would be back next week, and he’s known to play mind games with his comments on fitness issues.
Given Saliba’s importance to Arteta’s team, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rushed back in.
Meanwhile, with Lewis-Skelly still developing and other options available, the tactician may be more cautious with the teenager.
This opens up the possibility of Calafiori making his return at left-back.
Mikel Merino didn’t feature in any capacity in midweek, which could mean he was being saved for this game, and will likely be deployed alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Raheem Sterling frustrated fans with his performance against Zagreb, while Nwaneri impressed in his cameo, and Arteta will likely be influenced by these showings.
We expect Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli to complete Arsenal’s front three.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Wolves: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Havertz, Martinelli.
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Ethan Nwaneri should start on the right for Arsenal against Wolves
With Bukayo Saka out until at least March, Mikel Arteta has trialled several different players at right-wing.
Sterling, Martinelli, Jesus and Trossard have all given it a go, and all have mostly failed to impress on this flank.
However, Nwaneri has showcased glimpses of quality in his two appearances on the right, against Brentford and Brighton.
The 17-year-old found the back of the net against the Seagulls, and provided some of the attributes Saka offers on this side.
If Arsenal want to ease past a vulnerable Wolves team, Nwaneri is Arteta’s best way of dealing without talisman Saka.
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