Why is Wolves vs Arsenal on Wednesday night? talkSPORT commentary for crucial clash

In a week headlined by European knockout football, fans may be caught out by Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash on Wednesday.

Champions League, Europa League and Conference League play-off first legs are scheduled to be played across the next few days.

AFP

But squeezed into the schedule is the Gunners’ meeting with bottom-of-the-table Wolves at Molineux in a rearranged game.

A win for Mikel Arteta‘s side would move them seven points clear at the top of the table, piling some pressure on Manchester City.

There are no other Premier League fixtures planned for this week, so the timing appears strange for such an important match.

But here’s why Arsenal are playing against Wolves midweek…

Why is Wolves vs Arsenal on Wednesday night?

Wolves host Arsenal at Molineux on Wednesday, February 18, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.

The fixture was first planned to take place on Saturday, March 21, but that is the same weekend that the Gunners are now going to be playing in the Carabao Cup final against Man City.

It had led to the game having to be moved over a month earlier, to make sure it fits into the busy schedule.

Announcing the change at the start of February, a Premier League statement read: “Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal has been given a new date after the Gunners reached the EFL Cup final.

“The Gunners beat Chelsea in the semi-final of the competition, which now means they will contest for the first piece of silverware of the season, which takes place on Sunday, 22 March at 16:30 GMT. 

“Arsenal’s match at Wolves has now moved to Wednesday 18 February, 20:00 GMT kick-off.”

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Wolves vs Arsenal: Team news

Riccardo Calafiori could be sidelined for the clash with Wolves after being withdrawn from the starting line-up on Sunday.

The Italian was set to start against Wigan in the FA Cup, but he was dropped just before kick-off due to a knock.

Meanwhile, Ben White confirmed on social media that he has not picked up an injury despite being substituted versus Wigan.

Arteta has confirmed the pair are doubts, while Martin Odegaard could sit out, with Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz sidelined.

As for Wolves, Hwang Hee-chan and Toti Gomes are expected to miss out through injury.

But Andre is back fit and featured in their 1-0 win over Grimsby in the FA Cup at the weekend.

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Wolves vs Arsenal: talkSPORT commentary

talkSPORT will have live coverage of Wolves vs Arsenal on Wednesday.

Adrian Durham will be your host, with commentary coming from Joe Shennan and former England captain Stuart Pearce.

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