Newcastle United will look to move on from the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund when they travel to Molineux to face Wolves on Saturday in a Premier League fixture.
The Magpies suffered their first Champions League defeat of the new term, losing 1-0 to Borussia Dortmund at St James’ Park on Wednesday night. The defeat in midweek also ended their eight-game unbeaten run and five-game winning streak at home across all competitions.
Eddie Howe would have taken positives from that game and hopes to see his team do the job against Wolves, who are unbeaten in their last three outings.
Newcastle United Team News
Newcastle United suffered a double injury blow against Dortmund when Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy were forced off with groin and shoulder injuries, respectively. As per Eddie Howe, Isak’s groin injury isn’t serious although he is likely to miss the trip to Wolves.
Harvey Barnes (foot) and Sven Botman (knee) will also be unavailable, but Joe Willock was able to enjoy a 20-minute run-out against Dortmund following his recent fitness woes.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe said in his presser that there is a “high chance” Sandro Tonali can play against Wolves on Saturday despite receiving a 10-month ban from football.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Wolves (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope is Newcastle’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. He is expected to start against Wolves on Saturday.
Defence
The Magpies are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with a flat back four expected ahead of Pope. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will be deployed as the full-backs here, and they will look to protect the defensive unit and contribute during transitions.
In the heart of the defence, Jamaal Lascelles should continue deputising in the injury absence of Botman. He will start alongside Fabian Schar in central defence, as the duo look to keep a pacey Wolves attack at bay.
Midfield
In the centre of the park, Bruno Guimaraes will take care of the defensive side of things, while Joelinton and Seal Longstaff will offer him support. As a deep-lying playmaker, the onus will be on Bruno to take control of the game and create chances. Longstaff and Joelinton must look to win the midfield battles in order to stop Wolves from playing their natural brand of football.
Joe Willock could get some game time in the second half, while Sandro Tonali hopes to impress if he is available for selection.
Attack
Injuries to Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy mean Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron are nailed-on to feature on the flanks. They will look to provide the width of Newcastle’s attacks and cut inside when possible. Callum Wilson will be leading the line for the visitors, hoping to grab the opportunity with both hands against Wolves.
In Wilson, Gordon and Almiron, Newcastle have plenty of firepower to cause trouble for the Wolves defence.
