Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking an immediate response when they turn their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will travel to Molineux when they meet Wolves.
Wolves
Starting with the hosts, while Wolves might have shown some real signs of life over the past few weeks, it all feels too little too late for the Old Gold. Breaking a string of unwanted records this season and sat rock-bottom of the Premier League table, Rob Edwards’ men have put just seven points on the board and already have one-foot firmly in the Championship. With a 3-0 romp against fellow relegation scrappers West Ham on January 3rd the only Premier League victory they have collected this season, Wolves will face another tricky test on Sunday afternoon. Falling to a 1-0 loss when they travelled to St. James’ Park for their reverse top-flight showdown on September 13th, they do hold a nightmare record against the Magpies. In fact, Edwards’ side have lost all of their previous four straight Premier League battles against Newcastle by an aggregate score of 9-1.
Wolves Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Wolves will once again be without the duo of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Portuguese defender Toti. However, watching the Ivory Coast’s AFCON adventure come to an end last weekend, Emmanuel Agbadou should return to Edwards’ squad here.
Making a return from a long-term groin issue last weekend, former Braga youngster Rodrigo Gomes should get some more minutes under his belt. Finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances 18-year-old Matheus Mane will start in the middle of the park.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, falling to a first-leg 2-0 defeat at home against Manchester City in midweek, Newcastle’s defence of their EFL Cup crown appears to be hanging by a thread. However, seeking an immediate response when they travel to the Midlands on Sunday afternoon, Eddie Howe’s men did enjoy a much-welcomed flurry on either side of opening the New Year. Last seen in Premier League action mounting a stunning stoppage-time comeback against Leeds as they snatched a 4-3 victory, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad win each of their previous three consecutive top-flight showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-4. Skyrocketing their way back into the European spots, the Magpies will now be searching for some defensive stability. In fact, Newcastle have recorded just a single domestic clean sheet across any competition since the end of October.
Newcastle Team News
Limping off with a reported hamstring injury against Manchester City in midweek, Newcastle will be without Jacob Murphy on Sunday afternoon. While Howe’s side might be hopeful that Fabian Schar’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared, they will be unable to call upon this Swiss international this weekend.
Getting some more minutes under his belt earlier in the week, former Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier could make a first Premier League appearance since November 9th. Continuing to receive plenty of recent plaudits, academy graduate Lewis Miley could once again be deployed at right-back.
Wolves vs Newcastle Key Factors to Consider
- When Wolves and Newcastle met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 13th, the Magpies collected a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park.
- Newcastle have won all of their previous four straight Premier League battles against Newcastle by an aggregate score of 9-1.
- Wolves have recorded just a single Premier League win from any of their 21 top-flight appearances this season.
- The Magpies have won each of their previous three consecutive top-flight showdowns by an aggregate score of 9-4.
- Newcastle have remarkably registered just a single domestic clean sheet on their travels since the end of October.
Conclusion
Watching their EFL Cup dreams take a real blow earlier in the week, Newcastle will know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. Nevertheless, winning each of their previous three Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 9-4, Howe’s men now have their sights set on finding a route into the Champions League spots. However, remarkably recording just a single domestic clean sheet across any front since the end of October, Newcastle’s leaky defence could be asked some questions against a Wolves squad who have shown some signs of life over the past few weeks.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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