Chris Sutton fires warning to Gary O’Neil in score prediction for Arsenal v Wolves

The Wanderers have also made some smart additions, landing Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen but how well they replace Kilman and Neto could be pivotal in the closing weeks of the window.

For Wolves and O’Neil, starting their campaign at home to Arsenal – who only lost twice at home last season – isn’t ideal, but the Old Gold will go there with a plan to sit back and hit the Gunners on the counter.

Coming up against world-class players such as Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard is about as tough as it gets, with most pundits predicting Arsenal to secure a comfortable victory.

Chris Sutton issues score prediction for Arsenal v Wolves

In his opening day predictions for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton has warned O’Neil that there’s still plenty of work to do in the transfer window, namely finding replacements for Kilman and Neto.

Understandably, the former Norwich City striker expects a ‘tough’ game for the visitors, with Arsenal looking to kick off their title challenge with a comfortable win.

Sutton wrote: “Wolves were another team who faded badly in the final few weeks of last season but their manager, Gary O’Neil, still exceeded expectations after taking charge only days before it started.

“He has got some work to do on his squad because they still need to replace Pedro Neto and Max Kilman, who both left in the summer, and this is a tough game for them to kick off with.”

Sutton’s prediction: 2-0

How Wolves can salvage a result v Arsenal

Last season, Wolves were impressive against the top six sides in the league as their counter-attacking style worked phenomenally well against high-pressing teams.

Wolves did the double over Chelsea and secured a win over Tottenham away from home, with O’Neil earning plaudits for how he sets his side up.

Although he’s mainly used a four-man defence in pre-season, it would be wise for him to switch back to a three-at-the-back system against the Gunners, perhaps putting the experienced Craig Dawson in defence.

To come away with a positive result from the Emirates, will require the visitors to ride their luck and JosE Sa to be in top form, with the Portuguese gloveman undoubtedly going to be tested by a barrage of shots.

In soaking up pressure, the Wanderers must be ruthless when given a chance on the counter. They’ll need to show ambition to break forward with numbers and be clinical in front of goal, something they were good at last term.

Almost everyone is expecting Arsenal to secure a victory, so that could play into the visitor’s hands, who will be eager to cause an upset on matchday one.

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