Match Preview: Arsenal v Wolverhampton Wanderers: EPL Match Day 18

Happy Holidays Gooners and what happy start to the footballing fixtures it has been. As Arsenal take the pitch on Tuesday they will walk onto the pitch knowing that by taking three points, they will be firmly in 4th place. Something that at the beginning of the season seemed highly unlikely.

But due to Chelsea and Liverpool stumbles, the Gunners are now in a position to head into the last game of 2011 in the top 4. Simply, it’s amazing.

And it has not come without reasons for concern. Right now, there is a patch work feel to the defence. Actually its pretty much been like that since October. But here is the thing. That patchwork defence has been absolutely lock down. Especially at home. Heading into this fixture Arsenal have allowed only 5 goals at home this season. Only Manchester City (4) and Swansea (2) are better. In all home matches, Arsenal have dropped just 4 points, losing to Liverpool and drawing with Fulham.  That’s been with at times, our first choice CB out, both RBs out and now both our LBs out and now our 4th CB (wanna be RB) out on groin. It is nothing short of a miracle.

But is it.

These defenders are good. They have good leadership at the back and well – the attack has been awesome. Wenger’s style of play has been criticized for a lack of focus on defence. He has reportedly lived by the mantra of a good offence is the best defence. That if you score 1 we will score 2 or 3. And to some extent that is true but come on this defence none of us saw coming together. Especially in light of the horrific day at Old Trafford.

Arsenal will need to continue this defencive effort combined with an effective offencive display. Robin Van Persie, Arsenal’s man with the golden boot is two goals away from matching Alan Shearer’s record of 36 in a calendar year. He has 16 on the season and looks a sure thing for 30+ (provided he stays healthy).

We get criticized for being a one man team but honestly which team doesn’t rely on one person too much to get things done. City has Silva, United Rooney, Spurs Bale and Liverpool Aguerro (I honestly don’t know who Chelsea have at this moment). We have Van Persie and all roads and goals go through him. Wenger hinted at resting him soon. Frankly I think that is a smoke screen and an attempt at gamemanship. Wenger wants to see RvP get the record especially in an Arsenal uni. He will go and he will want the ball.

For Wolves they head to the Emirates knowing they have one away win this season against Blackburn and have lost all other 7. Additionally, their keeper is the Premier League’s busiest man as Mick McCarthy’s side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 14 matches. They simply allow too many shots from their opponents. Given the Gunners propensity for shooting the ball – Wolves will need to tighten up if they are to get something. They sit one point out of the relegation zone and will be hungry for at least another point to add to the kitty.

How the Match Should Play Out:

Because of the implications of this match it worries me and presents more of a test than anyone will give credit to. With a solid position in the top four at stake these are the kind of matches the Gunners have faltered on before. If Arsenal are going to show a continued maturation they will need to take the game to Wolves early on. They can leave no doubt to the visitors and the league that they are for real and they mean business. With Wolves shipping in goals and shots, the opportunities will come for the Gunners the kill will be for them to sink their chances when they have them. Theo and Gervinho will give the Wolve’s defenders a load of issues and RvP through the middle will make it hard for Wolves not to put 10 men behind the ball. Overall it will likely start off fast with Arsenal trying to dicate pace and Wolves trying to stifle their creativity through pressure and putting men behind the ball. All in all though there is still too much in the side for the squad not to overtake the visitors. An emphatic Arsenal win is in the offing.

Players to Watch

Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. The dutchman has reportedly asked his manager not to take him out during the Christmas fixtures as he would like a go at the scoring title. This is the equivalent of a starting pitcher (baseball reference) telling the coach he wants the ball in the 9th when he is already pushing his pitch count. If true, I love it! Give Van Persie the damn ball.

Wolves. Steven Fletcher.  Wolves man up front. Leads the visitors with six goals.

Probable Starting XI:

Injuries and Suspensions:

Arsenal: Wilshere (ankle)  Sagna (ankle) Gibbs (hernia) Jenkinson (back fracture) Diaby (hamstring) Santos (knee) Fabianksi (knee) Mannone (shoulder) Djourou (groin)

Wolves: Craddock (hamstring) Edwards (groin) Foley (match fitness)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:  Van Persie 21 (16 league)

Wolves: Fletcher 6 (6 league)

Last Meeting (EPL):

Arsenal: 2

Wolves: 0

Goals For:

Arsenal (home): 1.8

Wolves (away): 0.8

Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 0.6

Wolves: (away): 2.1

Last Five:
Arsenal: WLWWD

Wolves: DLLWL

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 8

Wolves: -13

Match Official:
Referee: Stuart Attwell (Matches 8, R2 Y26)

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.Tv 1000 AM EST

UK: BBC Radio 5 1500 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 3

Wolves: 0