THREE points against Wolves on Saturday evening will see Arsenal top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a golden chance to go into the World Cup break top of the pile.
And in 10 of the last 13 seasons, the No1 team on Christmas Day has gone on to lift the title.
Arteta made 10 changes for the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, so is expected to go full-strength for the trip to Molineux.
But with eight of his usual starting XI poised to represent their respective nations in Qatar, the likes of Gareth Southgate and Brazil boss Tite could be watching the game with bated breath.
Gabriel Magalhaes was not called up for Brazil but is poised to continue his excellent partnership with William Saliba against Wolves.
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The injury-free Oleksandr Zinchenko, who’s Ukraine side didn’t qualify for Qatar, is set to play at left-back.
Recently called up England duo Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White are likely to complete the backline.
Bukayo Saka, the third Arsenal star in the Three Lions squad, will continue on the right hand side.
While Gabriel Martinelli, who cried after his Brazil call up, and Gabriel Jesus are poised to start before jetting off to Qatar with the South American nation.
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Midfield duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are set to appear at the World Cup for Switzerland and Ghana, respectively.
But before that they are likely to partner each other in midfield against Wolves, just behind Martin Odegaard.
The skipper is the third and final Gunner who will not be in Qatar set to start against Wolves after Norway failed to qualify.
While it is unlikely, Arteta could field a different line up if he wants to protect his stars from injury ahead of the World Cup.
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Saka could be wrapped up in cotton wool and replaced by Marquinhos, who started the game against Brighton.
The likes of Mohamed Elneny, Kieran Tierney, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah, who aren’t going to Qatar, could also be handed shock starts after playing in midweek.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
