WATCH FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND PREDICTIONS AHEAD OF WOLVES V NEWCASTLE
TEAM NEWS
Wolves will evaluate Mario Lemina and Rayan Ait-Nouri after both pulled out from international matches due to injuries. Meanwhile, Yerson Mosquera is ready to play, having experienced cramp in both legs during Colombia’s game.
Newcastle continue without the services of Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth, and Joe Willock. However, they welcome back defender Fabian Schar from suspension, and Bruno Guimaraes is fit to play, despite being substituted at half-time in Brazil’s recent match.
GARY O'NEIL PRESS CONFERENCE
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Mario [Lemina] and Rayan [Ait-Nouri] “haven’t trained much” and there will be “late checks” to see if they are fit to face the Magpies.
Yerson [Mosquera] had cramp in both calves during the week and did not train fully on Friday but O’Neil confirmed “there’s no injury’. The rest of the squad are “OK and in a decent spot”.
O’Neil said “exciting young player” Carlos Forbs – who was signed on an initial season-long loan from Ajax – was introduced to the squad on Friday: “He has bundles of potential. He has good pedigree, has blistering pace and can play on both sides of the pitch.”
On goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who made his debut last time out against Nottingham Forest: “He’s a good, solid guy and good for the group. He did well at Forest with a mature, calm performance. We thought it was important to improve that part of the squad – it could do with more competition.”
O’Neil added on fellow keeper Jose Sa: “Jose will be here I’m sure and fight with Sam for that spot. Two excellent goalkeepers. He has his opportunity to fight for the place, the same as any other position.”
On the challenge posed by Newcastle: “I know Eddie [Howe] well and he’s done an excellent job. They have an abundance of quality and they will be a big test. Isak is one of the best number nines in the league.”
O’Neil said his squad now has “much more depth”: “It’s easier with subs. I want us to be a team that’s aggressive with subs and do what’s best for the team. I’m excited. I’m pleased the window is done.”
MATCH STATS & FACTS
Head-to-head
Wolves have drawn seven of their nine most recent Premier League home games against Newcastle, with one win apiece.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have won just one of their past 13 league fixtures (D3, L9), and are winless in their last six.
They’ve lost five of their last six league home games, one more than in their previous 19 at Molineux.
They can remain winless in their opening two top-flight home matches for the sixth time in seven seasons.
Hwang Hee-chan has netted a career-high four goals in five Premier League appearances versus Newcastle.
Gary O’Neil is without a win in all five games as a manager against Eddie Howe (D3, L2).
Newcastle United
Newcastle can fail to win either of their opening two Premier League away fixtures for the fourth consecutive season.
The Magpies have only failed to score in one of their last 23 top-flight games since a 2-0 away loss to Crystal Palace in April.
Alexander Isak has been directly involved in 18 goals in his 20 Premier League appearances since Boxing Day. Only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer have scored more than the Swede’s 15 goals over the same period.
Eddie Howe is winless in all four top-flight matches as a manager at Molineux, with two defeats for Bournemouth and two draws for Newcastle.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Kavanagh. Assistants: Lee Betts, Richard West. Fourth official: Simon Hooper. VAR: John Brooks. Assistant VAR: Timothy Wood.
MATCH INFO
This one is live on Sky Sports and will kick off at Molineux at 4.30pm on Sunday16th September 2024.
