Predicting The Arsenal Starting 11 For Their Match Against Wolves

Arsenal conceded to a shock 1-0 defeat at the Emirates to newly promoted Newcastle on Sunday ensuring that their title challenge was seriously derailed alongside their pride and home form. Chelsea however also suffered defeat to the inform Liverpool which mitigated the defeat for the Gunners.

However now Arsene Wenger's attention turns to the upcoming midweek clash with a doughty Wolves outfit. Mick McCarthy's men had two points overturned as Manchester United snatched a victory from the jaws of a stalemate in the dying seconds.

Wolverhampton will be confident they can upset a vulnerable Arsenal side low on confidence and form. The Wolves have troubled the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Everton with their tough, no nonsense physical approach. Wolves will be furthered by home ground advantage with the match staged at the Molineux Stadium.

It's no secret that the Gunners struggle against the physical sides in the Premier League and one can only imagine Mick McCarthy will instruct his men to challenge physically in defence before attempting to strike through the air from set pieces. Similar to what the Magpies recently achieved.

There is still a heavy injury list for the Gunners so let's attempt to establish a starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Predominant first choice keeper Manuel Almunia is close to full fitness after suffering an elbow injury in September. However the 31 is unlikely to appear against Wolves. Second string keeper Lukasz Fabianski who has deputized superbly in the Spaniards absence, will once again start despite receiving heavy criticism for a costly error against Newcastle. Albeit some feel the Polish shot stopper was not to blame.

Boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy will once again have to settle for a bench role.

Defenders

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen, who has not featured in the red and white since August due to an Achilles, is still set to be short of match fitness and is not expected to appear. Laurent Koscienly received a dubious red card late on against Newcastle and despite Arsenal's appear it is unlikely to be overlooked.

This ensures that Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou will partner one another in the centre of defence. England international Kieran Gibbs is still injured with a knee complaint thus ensuring no pressure on Gael Clichy who will start at left back. Bacary Sagna started against Newcastle and is likely to be demoted to the bench whilst Emmanuel Eboue should receive a rare start.

Midfielders

Captain and midfield maestro was not himself during Arsenal's shock weekend defeat and it has emerged the Spaniard is still battling a niggling hamstring injury that saw him miss almost a month of football last month.

Fabregas is set to be rested for the clash alongside Abou Diaby whose ankle injury looks to have worsened. Jack Wilshere is set to receive Fabregas's right attacking midfield role whilst Samba star Denilson, who boast an unblemished 100% win record when starting this season, will be deployed on the right.

As expected Alexandre Song will cover the defensive midfield role, alongside providing an extra dimension in attack. Aaron Ramsey is still recovering but is set to make a reserve appearance in the coming days.

Forwards

Robin van Persie made his return against Newcastle after a lengthy three month lay off thanks to an ongoing ankle problem. However it is unlikely the Dutch maestro will start against Wolves and rather contribute as a substitute.

Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner will contest to lead the front line. Chamakh was especially disappointing on Sunday and could be demoted to the bench for the Danish sharp shooter Bendtner. Andrei Arshavin is set to return to the starting XI on the left wing but French playmaker Samir Nasri received an ankle knock against Newcastle and should miss the clash.

Theo Walcott is expected to start on the right flank however Arsene Wenger may opt to utilize Nicklas Bendtner on the wing and have Chamakh operate through the middle. Tomas Rosicky is also a wing option.

Substitutes

With seven spots on Wenger's bench, Wojciech Szczensy will have the deputy keeper role and Bacary Sagna the back up defender spot. Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie, Carlos Vela, and either Marouane Chamakh or Theo Walcott, depending on who starts, the impact attackers.

A match that will potentially define whether Arsenal are true title contenders or mere contenders for a Champions League spot. A win here will revivie spirts in the Arsenal camp alongside ensuring there title attack is back on track. Furthermore Manchester United who sit ahead of Arsenal by three points in second and Manchester City who sit below Arsenal on the same amount of points but a poorer goal difference, face each other on the same night ensuring one or both will drop points.