Newcastle United host Wolves in a clash with implications at opposite ends of the Premier League table.
Victory will lift Newcastle up to fourth in the table, whilst Wolves can climb to 16th if better Everton’s result.
Team News
Harvey Barnes is ruled out for Newcastle with a thigh injury suffered in the first half of their comeback FA Cup victory over Bromley.
Alexander Isak (hamstring), Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock (all fatigue) could return.
Emil Krafth (shoulder), Callum Wilson (hamstring), Nick Pope and Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) remain absent.
Wolves could again be without Mario Lemina due to illness, although his future at the club is currently under speculation.
Matheus Cunha (suspension), Craig Dawson (calf) and Nelson Semedo (hamstring) could return if pass fitness checks.
Toti Gomes (hamstring), Yerson Mosquera, Boubacar Traore (both knee), Sasa Kalajdzic and Enso Gonzalez (both ACL) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host Wolves at St James’ Park on Wednesday 15 January at 7:30pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 3 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are unbeaten in their last six meetings against Wolves (W4, D2).
- Wolves are winless in their last five visits to Newcastle (D2, L3).
- Isak has scored in each of Newcastle’s last two home games against Wolves (W2).
- No Newcastle player this season has been brought on as a substitute on more occasions than Harvey Barnes (14).
- Matheus Cunha has been involved in 14 league goals for Wolves this season (10 goals + 4 assists)
Prediction
Having showed very lacklustre end product and creativity in the first half of their win over Bromley despite a brilliant equaliser, Newcastle have to be more consistent which is what I expect to be the case with several regulars back for this game.
Wolves meanwhile seem to be finding form under Vitor Pereira and the fact that he went for a strong line-up at Bristol City and they performed well – especially protecting their lead in the second half is a positive, particularly because they need to show defensive organisation and a clinical final touch if want anything here.
Newcastle though are just full of confidence with eight consecutive wins in all competitions and with the proper first-team starting line-up set to play here, I just don’t see Wolves winning this so the best that the visitors can do is try and snatch a draw but the Magpies should have the edge.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Wolves
Result: Newcastle 3-0 Wolves
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