League leaders meet Lopetegui at Molineux
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ first home league game under Julen Lopetegui will be against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Wolves took their time to appoint Bruno Lage’s replacement and it does seem like a new manager was going to come in after the World Cup, but in Lopetegui Wolves have made a very shrewd appointment and one that should steer them clear of relegation.
Wolves have shown a lot of promise in recent years, threatening to compete for a place in the top four in the not too distant past, and Lopetegui’s experience at the top level should only help them in getting back on that sort of path.
Process
Arsenal have started the season in sensational form and are keeping Manchester City up at night, currently boasting a two-point cushion over Pep Guardiola’s men at the summit.
The Gunners have blown hot and cold for a long while now, including during spells of Mikel Arteta’s reign, but they have been ruthless at the start of this season, and even their most pessimistic supporters will be believing that a Champions League return is on the horizon.
Wolves have unsustainably overperformed to score just eight goals from chances equating to 16.1 expected goals (xG) for so far this season, a regression to the mean would see them pick up significantly in the attacking third, such that would be very welcome to give Lopetegui a boost at the start of his reign.
Defensively, Arsenal have been much improved this season, William Saliba has been a huge part of that and will be one to watch at the World Cup with France for sure.
The Gunners are allowing just 0.88 xGA per game so far this season and will fancy their chances of limiting the hosts and quietening the crowd as a result.
Goals?
Unders entices me in here, the schedule will likely make it tough for either side to produce their best form, and fatigue could play a factor in more games going unders ahead of the World Cup break.
Wolves have scored in five of ten.
Wolves have conceded in seven of ten.
Wolves have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Wolves have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Arsenal have scored in nine of ten.
Arsenal have conceded in three of ten.
Arsenal have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Arsenal have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Arsenal, an excellent final week of Premier League action for us.