Wolves will be looking to win the crucial midfield battle to help their chances of picking up three points tonight, which would massively aid their push for a European spot.
It won’t be straightforward, though, with the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho likely to line up against Arsenal duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, with the latter two coming out on top in the reverse fixture despite their side being down to 10 men.
Neves could be the main man tonight for Wolves, with the midfielder previously being linked with a move away from Molineux, highlighting that a lot of other clubs have started noticing his talent in a Wolves side perhaps not expected to challenge for Europe this season.
Will Wolves qualify for Europe?
Yes!
No!
The battle between Neves and Xhaka is likely to be one that could determine who has the upper hand this evening, so let’s compare the two of them:
Ruben Neves
After a disappointing season for all involved at Wolves last year, Neves appears to have stepped up his game this term, being more careful with the ball, especially in the final third as he currently boasts his best goals-per-shot conversion record since entering the league with 0.10 (FBRef) and this was on show during Wolves’ latest victory over Leicester City, where Neves had one shot on target, which ended up in the back of the net.
Compared to last season as well, Neves is wanting to get on the ball and make things happen a lot more often, with a 70.8% dribble completion, while he is only one pass behind last season’s tally of three carries into the opposition’s penalty area, so he’s again being a lot braver with the ball.
It’s worth remembering as well that Neves plays in a team that on average see less of the ball than a side like Arsenal.
Granit Xhaka
Very quickly, it’s clear to spot that Xhaka is not in the same mould as Neves, considering his goals-per-shot conversion rate is 0 with the Switzerland international still yet to net for the first time this season. That doesn’t appear to be changing any time soon having tried his luck eight times, but to date, still hasn’t beaten a goalkeeper in the league (FBRef).
Even without the ball, it appears to be a struggle for Xhaka, who’s only won 15 out of his 26 attempted tackles and just 47.8% of them against opponents dribbling the ball (FBRef) – a sizeable drop from last season’s 51.6%.
However, it’s widely been acknowledged that Xhaka has not played as often this season due to his disciplinary issues and injury problems.
TIF Verdict…
Considering this is likely to be a tough battle tonight for both teams, Wolves will likely be more than happy having Neves in their engine room instead of Xhaka because of the threat he provides in the final third, which they desperately need having scored the third-fewest goals in the league.
However, Arsenal certainly perform better with Xhaka on the pitch, as they have a net average of +9 goals when the Switzerland international is playing, but his temperament and lack of consistent starts this season is always a concern.
Xhaka is the more experienced player for going into a Premier League battle, however, the legs, energy and ability to be prominent at both ends of the pitch would likely give Neves the edge if both played to their best abilities.
In other news: Guest on BBC podcast shares key thing that could get Wolves top four