Paul Merson has given his prediction for Wolves’ meeting with Arsenal on Wednesday, and believes that the Gunners’ leaky defence could be their downfall again.
Unai Emery’s side lost 3-2 to Crystal Palace on Sunday, and even though Wolves failed to find a way past Brighton on Saturday, Merson foresees goals in a spirited draw.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, he said: “Palace couldn’t win a game and then they go to Arsenal at the weekend and end up scoring three times. I watched Palace against Manchester City in their previous game and they couldn’t get a kick. It was damage limitation.
“Then they go to Arsenal and they fancy themselves. It shows you the gap between Manchester City and Liverpool and the other teams.
“You can talk about Arsenal’s team selection against Palace but you can’t defend like they did. They could have had Diego Maradona playing up front but you won’t win matches if you have defending like that.
“Wolves are a good side when teams have a go at them like Arsenal will. Look at the teams that Wolves have dropped points against – Huddersfield have done the double against them, Brighton sat back and got a draw, so did Newcastle. They have lost points against teams outside the top six because they play deep against them and they need to learn how to break that down.”
Merson predicts a 2-2 draw.
OPINION
Neutrals and Wolves fans alike will be hoping that Merse’s prediction comes true. These are two attractive, attacking sides, both with the ability to demolish sides and both with things left to play for this season. Sometimes that can lead to cagey affairs, but you would bet, especially given Arsenal’s recent frailties, that it will swing the other way and be a free-for-all. Realistically, the Gunners need this win more than their hosts. Wolves are still in the running for seventh, but if they didn’t get it they would still consider this to be a fine season. If Arsenal don’t make the Champions League, however, that could be a disaster. Hopefully, that means they step out and have go, and if they do do that then Wolves will be confident that they can pick them off on the counter. This should be a cracker.