Premier League Preview: Arsenal Aims for Winning Start at Home Against Wolves, Who Seek to Avoid Another Loss

At 22:00 on August 17th, in the first round of the new Premier League season, Arsenal will host Wolves. Arsenal, with a superior strength, is striving for a winning start for the third consecutive season, while Wolves aim to avoid a seventh consecutive loss against the Gunners.

Arsenal finished last season as runners-up by just two points, securing 28 victories in 38 rounds, whereas Wolves ended up in 14th place with only 13 wins out of their 38 matches.

Arsenal’s biggest move in the summer transfer window was the acquisition of Italian defender Calafiori, further bolstering their defense. Meanwhile, Smith-Rowe, who wore the number 10 shirt last season, left due to injury, but this transfer had little impact on Arsenal’s overall strength.

In contrast, Wolves underwent significant changes during the summer transfer window, with Pedro Neto and Kilman leaving, generating over 100 million euros in transfer fees, yet investing only a small portion back into new signings. Wolves spent 15 million euros to bring in Rodrigo Gomes from Braga, loaned in tall striker Larsen from Celta Vigo, and bought Brazilian defender Lima for 10 million euros.

Including the Emirates Cup, Arsenal played five relatively formal friendlies during their preparation period, achieving three wins, one draw, and one loss within regular time. They defeated Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen, and Lyon, with their sole defeat coming against Liverpool.

During their preparation period, Wolves played four friendlies, achieving two wins and two losses. They beat West Ham and RB Leipzig, but lost to Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.

In their last ten encounters, Arsenal has won seven times, drawn once, and lost only twice. Arsenal has achieved a double over Wolves for the past three seasons, with their last loss to Wolves dating back to the 2020-21 season. In the past 20 years, Arsenal has only lost once at home to Wolves.

In the past two seasons, Arsenal secured a winning start in the opening round. The last time they failed to do so was in the 2021-22 season when they lost to Brentford in the first round. Wolves, on the other hand, did not secure a winning start last season, losing 0-1 away to Manchester United in the first round.

Given the clear disparity in strength, Arsenal aims for a winning start for the third consecutive season. Wolves hope to end their six-game losing streak against Arsenal, with even a draw considered a success.

>>For more predictions and detailed analysis of this match, please click >>>