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Football London
Football London
Sport
James Benge

Xhaka risked, Mustafi dropped, Sokratis and Lacazette start - predicted Arsenal XI vs Wolves

Unai Emery will be sweating on the fitness of arguably Arsenal's most vital player on Wednesday when he names his side to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a crucial away game.

Granit Xhaka's passing ability and consistency in central midfield has been a hallmark of Arsenal's best performances this season and the Swiss international's important was underlined by Emery's cagey assessment of his fitness for fear of giving away too much inside information to Wolves.

"We are going to wait," he said. "I am not telling you what our idea is with the players, with the system, with the injured players or the first XI.

The cash injection that Arsenal stand to receive at the end of the season to boost summer transfer budget

"I want to keep all information to myself for tomorrow.

"Sorry, I think it's better for us."

Emery's refusal to be drawn on Xhaka's availability is certainly not encouraging but as the 26-year-old was very nearly available for Sunday's defeat against Crystal Palace there remains a strong possibility he will start at Molineux, likely alongside Lucas Torreira.

Further forward Emery's plans appear to be in greater doubt after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not pictured among the first-team squad at training on Tuesday, leading to speculation the forward could miss out.

Regardless of his fitness the Gabon international has not looked quite as sharp as usual in recent weeks and could be rotated out of this team to make room for the impressive Alex Iwobi.

There is better news in defence, where Sokratis Papastathopoulos is available after serving a two-game suspension. Nacho Monreal is also likely to return after being an unused substitute against Palace, defeat to whom likely means there will be no chance to rest veteran captain Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal picture special: Xhaka & Torreira train ahead of Wolves clash, but Aubameyang misses out 

The Gunners know that a victory over Wolves would ensure that their top four destiny remains in their hands, with Chelsea and Manchester United unable to match their points haul if Emery's side win all four remaining league fixtures.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Leno; Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Torreira, Kolasinac; Ozil, Iwobi; Lacazette

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