Newcastle United will take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park, looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Magpies were smashed 4-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday which left them 10th in the Premier League table. Eddie Howe wanted a response from his boys in midweek and he got it as his team beat Blackburn Rovers in the penalty shootout at Ewood Park to advance into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Tyneside-based outfit will head into this game against Wolves who will themselves be high on confidence having knocked Brighton & Hove Albion out of the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Newcastle United Team News
Sven Botman was rested for the FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers and should be fine to return at the weekend. Newcastle United were boosted by the return of Elliot Anderson after a lengthy injury absence, while Martin Dubravka recovered from illness to start in goal against Blackburn on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Matt Targett has returned to training providing some much needed boost.
Predicted Newcastle lineup vs Wolves (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka walked back into the Newcastle lineup on Tuesday after missing the trip to Arsenal due to illness. The Slovakian’s heroics in the FA Cup penalty shootout against Blackburn saved his side from embarrassment.
Defence
Sven Botman should return to Eddie Howe’s starting XI after enjoying a night off in midweek. He is expected to partner Fabian Schar in central defence in the Newcastle lineup, and the duo must bring their A game to keep a pacey Wolves attack tamed.
Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn should retain their full-back spots, and they will look to help out at both ends of the pitch for the home side. Tino Livramento, who picked up a knock at Arsenal, was fit enough to come on as a substitute against Blackburn in the FA Cup game. The youngster will be on the bench once again.
Midfield
In midfield, Howe could recall Lewis Miley into action to replace Joe Willock, who made his first start on Tuesday after returning from a long injury layoff. He is expected to join Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff in Newcastle’s engine room.
Bruno will aim to pull the strings from a deeper role and provide Longstaff and Miley with the license to push forward and get involved in the attack. Elliot Anderson should get some minutes again after making his first appearance at Ewood Park in three months.
Attack
Alexander Isak was withdrawn early in the second half against Blackburn as Howe looks to manage the forward well amidst an injury-hit campaign. The Swede will lead the attack against Wolves, flanked by the industrious and pacey Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron in the Newcastle lineup.
Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes may get involved at some point in the second half of the game.
