Arsenal take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road in tonight’s Premier League clash.
Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are fit to play, while Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz could return for Sunday’s derby at Tottenham Hotspur.
Arteta is expected to ring the changes from the 4-0 FA Cup fourth round win over Wigan Athletic, but we believe the Spaniard must continue with Noni Madueke on the right side of the Gunners’ attack.
The £48.5 million signing had a good start to his Arsenal career this season before a knee injury. Since his comeback, the Englishman has made nine goal contributions across all competitions.
Madueke has been particularly impressive in his last five matches with four goal involvements. The former Chelsea man should line up on the right wing tonight, given his fine recent record against Wolves.
The 23-year-old has scored four goals in his previous two appearances against the Midlands outfit. This includes a hat-trick for Chelsea last season as they secured a comfortable 6-2 win at the Molineux.
Madueke was an unused substitute when the teams met at the Emirates earlier in December. Arsenal were very fortunate in that game with a couple of own goals contributing to a 2-1 victory.
Arsenal must turn up with a much-better showing this time around. With Madueke flourishing on the right wing, he should get the nod over Bukayo Saka, who could operate in a different role.
Saka started as an attacking midfielder against Wigan last weekend. Speaking after the 4-0 win, Arteta hinted that he wanted to play him there, and there is a possibility that it could happen again.
With Odegaard ruled out, it won’t come as a surprise if Saka continues as the number 10 with Madueke on the right wing. Eberechi Eze could start on the bench despite his assists against the Latics.
Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard could form the rest of the attack. Gyokeres has been impressive upfront since the turn of the year with six goals and two assists in all competitions.
Like Madueke, Trossard has starred against Wolves in the past. He has seven goal involvements in 13 meetings and looks poised to make his fifth straight league start for the Gunners.