Arsenal vs Wolves Match Preview: Premier League Title Chasers Face Relegation Strugglers

Match Details

Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchday 16
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT (3:00 PM ET)
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Referee: TBC

Current League Standings & Form

Arsenal – Top of the Table But Wounded

Position: 1st Place
Points: 34 points from 15 matches
Record: 10 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss
Goals Scored: 24 | Goals Conceded: 6
Goal Difference: +18

Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): W-D-W-D-W-L
The Gunners are leading the Premier League but suffered a devastating stoppage-time defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, ending their remarkable 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Despite this setback, Mikel Arteta’s side remains five points clear of second-placed Manchester City and are strong favorites for the title.

Last Five Results:

• Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal (Dec 6) – Premier League
• Brentford 1-0 Arsenal (Dec 3) – Premier League
• Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (Nov 30) – Premier League (Caicedo sent off)
• Bayern Munich 1-3 Arsenal (Nov 27) – Champions League
• Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal (Nov 22) – Premier League

Wolves – Fighting for Survival at Bottom

Position: 20th Place (Bottom of the table)
Points: 2 points from 13 matches
Record: 0 wins, 2 draws, 11 losses
Goals Scored: 7 | Goals Conceded: 27
Goal Difference: -20

Recent Form (Last 6 Matches): L-L-L-L-L-L
Wolves are in dire straits, rooted to the bottom of the Premier League with just two points from 13 matches. The appointment of Rob Edwards from Middlesbrough has failed to spark any improvement, with the Old Gold remaining winless and now on an eight-game losing streak. They haven’t scored in their last five Premier League matches.

Last Five Results:

• Wolves 1-4 Manchester United (Dec 8) – Premier League
• Wolves 0-1 Nottingham Forest (Dec 3) – Premier League
• Aston Villa 3-1 Wolves (Nov 29) – Premier League
• Brighton 2-0 Wolves (Nov 23) – Premier League
• Manchester City 1-0 Wolves (Nov 8) – Premier League

Head-to-Head Record

Arsenal have completely dominated this fixture in recent years, establishing absolute superiority over Wolves:

Last 5 Meetings:

• Arsenal 2-0 Wolves (Aug 17, 2025) – Premier League
• Wolves 0-1 Arsenal (Jan 25, 2025) – Premier League
• Arsenal 2-0 Wolves (Aug 17, 2024) – Premier League
• Wolves 0-2 Arsenal (Apr 20, 2024) – Premier League
• Arsenal 2-1 Wolves (Dec 2, 2023) – Premier League

Overall Head-to-Head Stats:

• Arsenal wins: 12
• Wolves wins: 3
• Draws: 3
• Arsenal unbeaten in last 8 consecutive meetings
• Arsenal have won all home fixtures against Wolves since 2020

Key Statistics:

• Arsenal have kept clean sheets in 5 of the last 6 meetings
• Wolves haven’t scored at the Emirates since December 2023
• Arsenal have scored 2+ goals in 7 of the last 8 encounters
• Bukayo Saka has been directly involved in 6 goals in his last 5 games against Wolves

Team News & Injuries

Arsenal Injury List

Out:

• Gabriel Magalhães (Thigh injury – expected return: December 27, 2025)
• Cristhian Mosquera (Ankle injury – out until mid-January 2026)
• Riccardo Calafiori (Muscular issue – doubtful)

Doubts:

• William Saliba (Knock – being assessed, likely available)
• Leandro Trossard (Calf injury – being assessed)
• Kai Havertz (Minor niggle – expected to be available)

Suspensions: None

Key Players Available:

• Bukayo Saka (Winger – 10 goals, club’s top scorer)
• Martin Ødegaard (Captain/Midfielder – creative hub)
• Declan Rice (Midfielder – 1 goal, 3 assists, key to Arsenal’s play)
• Viktor Gyökeres (Forward – 2 goals, providing attacking threat)
• Gabriel Martinelli (Winger – 3 goals, electric pace)

Wolves Injury List

Out:

• Rodrigo Gomes (Groin injury – out until early February 2026)
• Daniel Bentley (Ankle injury – expected return: mid-December)
• Leon Chiwome (Knee injury – long-term absence)
• Joao Gomes (Suspended – served against Man United)

Doubts:

• Ladislav Krejčí (Knee injury)
• Matt Doherty (Knee issue)
• Hugo Bueno (Back problem)

Key Players Available:

• Jørgen Strand Larsen (Forward – 13 goals, top scorer)
• Matheus Cunha (Attacking midfielder – 15 goals, team’s creative force)
• Sam Johnstone (Goalkeeper – facing tough test)
• André (Midfielder – key to midfield stability)

Tactical Analysis

Arsenal’s Approach

Mikel Arteta will deploy his favored 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 hybrid formation, emphasizing possession dominance, high pressing, and quick transitions. Despite recent injury setbacks, Arsenal possess the technical quality and tactical discipline to overwhelm struggling opposition at home.

Strengths:

• Best defensive record in the Premier League (6 goals conceded)
• Exceptional home form at the Emirates
• Creative excellence through Saka, Ødegaard, and Martinelli
• Set-piece mastery under Nicolas Jover
• Squad depth to rotate effectively

Weaknesses:

• Injury crisis at center-back affecting stability
• 93 injuries suffered since start of last season
• Recent loss to Villa showed vulnerability
• Occasional struggles to break down deep-sitting defenses
• Fatigue from demanding schedule

Wolves’ Game Plan

Rob Edwards faces a near-impossible task but will likely employ an ultra-defensive 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 formation, prioritizing damage limitation and organization. Wolves must be compact, disciplined, and hope to catch Arsenal on the counter.

Strengths:

• Nothing to lose mentality
• Cunha’s individual brilliance on the counter
• Strand Larsen’s physical presence and scoring record
• Occasional resilience in big matches

Weaknesses:

• Rock bottom with just 2 points from 13 games
• Eight consecutive defeats
• Haven’t scored in last 5 Premier League matches
• Worst defensive record in the division (27 goals conceded)
• Zero confidence and belief
• Terrible away form (no wins all season)
• Missing key midfielder Joao Gomes through suspension earlier

Key Battles

Bukayo Saka vs. Hugo Bueno/Rayan Aït-Nouri
Saka has been Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking weapon this season with 10 goals and has tormented Wolves in recent fixtures. Wolves’ left flank will be under constant siege from the English international’s pace, dribbling, and creative delivery.

Martin Ødegaard vs. André
The Arsenal captain will orchestrate play from central midfield, and Wolves’ defensive midfielder André must somehow disrupt Ødegaard’s rhythm. This battle will largely determine whether Wolves can contain Arsenal’s creative hub or face wave after wave of attacks.

Matheus Cunha vs. Arsenal’s Makeshift Defense
With Gabriel out and Saliba potentially doubtful, Cunha represents Wolves’ best hope of exploiting any defensive uncertainty. The Brazilian’s creativity, dribbling, and eye for goal make him Wolves’ most dangerous outlet.

Statistical Insights

Scoring Trends:

• Arsenal average 1.6 goals scored and 0.4 goals conceded per match
• Wolves average 0.54 goals scored and 2.08 goals conceded per match
• Arsenal have kept clean sheets in 10 of 15 league matches this season
• Wolves have failed to score in 10 of 13 Premier League matches

Possession Stats:

• Arsenal average 63.2% possession this season (second-highest in league)
• Wolves average 38.7% possession
• Arsenal complete 89.3% of passes vs Wolves’ 74.1%

Shots & Chances:

• Arsenal: 17.3 shots per match (6.2 on target)
• Wolves: 7.8 shots per match (2.1 on target)
• Arsenal create 2.9 big chances per game vs Wolves’ 0.6

Defensive Record:

• Arsenal have conceded just 6 goals all season (best in division)
• Wolves have conceded 27 goals (worst in division)

Betting Odds & Market Analysis

Match Result (Approximate Odds):

• Arsenal Win: 1.18 (-550)
• Draw: 8.50 (+750)
• Wolves Win: 17.00 (+1600)

Goals Market:

• Over 2.5 Goals: 1.70 (-143)
• Under 2.5 Goals: 2.20 (+120)
• Both Teams to Score – No: 1.55 (-182)
• Both Teams to Score – Yes: 2.50 (+150)

Handicap Betting:

• Arsenal -2: 2.30 (+130)
• Arsenal -1: 1.65 (+165)

Correct Score:

• Arsenal 3-0: 6.50 (+550)
• Arsenal 2-0: 6.00 (+500)
• Arsenal 4-0: 9.00 (+800)

Anytime Goalscorer:

• Bukayo Saka: 1.85 (-118)
• Kai Havertz: 2.00 (+100)
• Gabriel Martinelli: 2.20 (+120)
• Jørgen Strand Larsen: 5.50 (+450)
• Matheus Cunha: 6.00 (+500)

Expert Prediction & Analysis

This fixture presents one of the most lopsided encounters in Premier League Matchday 16. Arsenal, despite their recent setback at Villa Park, remain the overwhelming favorites to dispatch bottom-placed Wolves comfortably at the Emirates.

The statistics paint a stark picture: league leaders with the best defensive record facing the basement club with the worst defensive record. Arsenal’s eight-game unbeaten streak against Wolves, combined with their fortress-like home form, suggests this should be a routine victory for the Gunners.

Wolves’ predicament is catastrophic. With just two points from 13 matches, no wins all season, and an eight-game losing streak, Rob Edwards’ side appears destined for the Championship. Their inability to score in five consecutive Premier League matches is particularly alarming, and facing Arsenal’s miserly defense offers little hope of breakthrough.

Arsenal’s injury concerns, particularly in defense with Gabriel ruled out and Saliba potentially unavailable, represent the only potential vulnerability. However, even a makeshift Arsenal backline should have little trouble containing Wolves’ toothless attack. The visitors haven’t scored at the Emirates since December 2023, and current form suggests that streak will continue.

The Gunners will be motivated to bounce back from their Villa defeat and reassert their title credentials. Arteta will demand a commanding performance, and with Wolves’ confidence shattered, Arsenal should dominate from the opening whistle. Saka, Ødegaard, and Martinelli possess the quality to unlock any defense, particularly one as porous as Wolves’.

The only question is the margin of victory. Arsenal’s clinical finishing and Wolves’ defensive fragility suggest multiple goals are inevitable. While Wolves may occasionally threaten through Cunha’s individual brilliance, their lack of confidence and goalscoring drought makes even a consolation goal unlikely.

Expect Arsenal to control possession completely, create numerous chances, and secure a comfortable victory that keeps them firmly atop the Premier League table. Wolves’ survival hopes will require miracles elsewhere, as this fixture offers virtually no chance of points.

Score Prediction

Arsenal 3-0 Wolves

Verdict

Arsenal will cruise to a comfortable victory that consolidates their position at the top of the Premier League table and maintains their momentum in the title race. This match represents the ultimate clash of contrasts: the league’s best defense against its worst, the most in-form home side against the most out-of-form away team, title aspirants versus relegation certainties.

While Arsenal’s 18-match unbeaten run ended at Villa Park, they possess far too much quality, tactical sophistication, and home advantage for Wolves to capitalize on any lingering vulnerability. The Gunners’ attacking trio of Saka, Ødegaard, and Martinelli will orchestrate wave after wave of attacks against a Wolves defense that has leaked goals consistently all season.

Wolves’ predicament is dire. Without a win all season and unable to score in five consecutive matches, they arrive at the Emirates devoid of confidence and realistic hope. Matheus Cunha represents their only genuine threat, but one moment of individual brilliance cannot overcome Arsenal’s collective superiority.

The defensive injury concerns for Arsenal are legitimate, but even without Gabriel and potentially Saliba, the Gunners possess sufficient quality to dominate this fixture. Wolves’ attacking impotence (7 goals in 13 matches) suggests Arsenal’s makeshift defense will face minimal genuine threat.

Key to the Match:

• Arsenal must start quickly and kill the contest early
• Saka and Martinelli’s pace will terrorize Wolves’ wing-backs
• Ødegaard’s creativity from midfield will unlock spaces
• Wolves must somehow find their first goal in six matches
• The first goal will be crucial – an early Arsenal strike could trigger a rout

This promises to be a one-sided encounter where Arsenal’s title credentials shine against opposition facing almost certain relegation. The Gunners will reassert their dominance, delight their home support, and send an emphatic message to their title rivals. For Wolves, survival remains mathematically possible, but performances like this suggest the Championship awaits. A convincing 3-0 Arsenal victory seems the most realistic outcome, with the only uncertainty being whether the scoreline could become even more emphatic.