Wolves look to make it four wins on the bounce in all competitions when Gary O’Neil’s men head to the north-east on Saturday afternoon to take on a Newcastle United side that are looking for a first Premier League victory in three outings.
#1 Inside both camps
Three games in six days has proved to be a bit of a headache for Gary O’Neil and his small squad, with the head coach having to rotate during the midweek FA Cup fifth round tie with Brighton, but he can take heart from the performances of those he brought in as the side were able to secure a home quarter-final clash with Coventry City. However, the game didn’t come without cost as Hee Chan Hwang – whose four goals against Newcastle are more than he’s managed to score against any other Premier League side – was taken off around the hour mark with a hamstring injury, joining fellow forward Matheus Cunha on the sidelines this weekend.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is close to having the luxury of a full squad back at his disposal for the visit of Wolves on Saturday, as Sven Botman is set to return to the side after being rested in midweek for the FA Cup win away at Blackburn Rovers. Howe also has forwards Alexander Isak and Joe Willock available for selection after long lay-offs, however, the manager did indicate in his pre-match press conference that the game probably comes too early for left-back Matt Targett (hamstring) and he must tread carefully with Elliot Anderson. Newcastle will still be without Nick Pope (shoulder), Callum Wilson (chest) and Joelinton (thigh) who have long-term issues.
#2 Coming into it
With the exception of a 2-0 loss to Brentford, Wolves have experienced an impressive February, picking up nine Premier League points – including wins away at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – which saw them move into the top half of the table for the first time in 18 months, as well as book an FA Cup quarter-final spot thanks to a fifth round victory over Brighton at Molineux on Wednesday night.
Wolves’ last three | W 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion (H) – W 1-0 Sheffield United (H) – W 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Newcastle also secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with their penalty shootout win away at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday evening, but they are looking for their first three points in the top flight since 10th February when Eddie Howe’s side claimed a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, after drawing at home to Bournemouth before a 4-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal last Saturday.
Newcastle’s last three | W 1p-1 Blackburn Rovers (A) – L 1-4 Arsenal (A) – D 2-2 AFC Bournemouth (H)
Brightening your morning with @LeminaM_13's moves 🕺 pic.twitter.com/cKGeDHPSyU
— Wolves (@Wolves) March 1, 2024
#3 Since last time
Wolves 2 Newcastle United 2 | 28th October 2023
Wolves came from behind twice last time the teams met to earn a deserved point at a rain-soaked Molineux following a captivating Saturday evening clash. Hee Chan Hwang was the Old Gold hero once again, when he turned home his seventh goal of the season with 19 minutes remaining, as Gary O’Neil’s side made it five matches unbeaten in the Premier League. Callum Wilson had given Newcastle the lead against the run of play before Mario Lemina headed his first Wolves goal from a Pedro Neto corner, before Wilson’s controversial penalty had the Magpies ahead at the break. Wolves wouldn’t be denied however, and Hwang earned them a deserved point.
Wolves’ XI | Sa, Semedo, Kilman, Dawson, Toti, Ait-Nouri, Lemina, Traore, Neto, Hwang, Cunha.
From the Wolves side which started against the Magpies last time out, Matheus Cunha and Hwang will be unavailable for Saturday’s match, with the forwards sustaining hamstring injuries. While Newcastle were missing striker Alexander Isak and Sven Botman last time they faced the Old Gold, and both featured last weekend at the Emirates, although the Dutch defender put past his own keeper after 18 minutes to open the scoring.
Newcastle’s XI | Pope, Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Burn, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Gordon, Wilson.
#4 In the media
Following a February that saw Wolves move into the top half of the Premier League table as well as a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, BBC WM’s Mike Taylor believes the Old Gold are on the march to achieving something far beyond expectations when the season first started.
“And the beat goes on. Anyone wondering if the Wolves players, recruited from around the world to compete in the Premier League, feel what the FA Cup means as much as the supporters do had their answer just after the final whistle brought relief from Brighton’s pressure. In the final minutes, Joao Gomes had been substituted, energy reserves apparently spent as cramp set in. Now, he was cavorting around the penalty area to lead the South Bank's celebrations, giving Mario Lemina a fireman's lift.
“A few weeks ago, with a mid-table finish looking almost certain, the cup tie looked like the biggest priority this week. But the wins at Chelsea and Tottenham propelled Wolves into surprise contention to finish seventh and claim a European place. Of their new rivals, Brighton are stretched by injuries, while both they and West Ham are still trying to juggle this season's European campaign alongside earning another one. Newcastle and Chelsea are falling well short of pre-season expectations.”
Chronicle Live’s James Snailes believes the next month will be crucial for Newcastle United’s European hopes as they face Wolves, Chelsea and Brighton in the Premier League – three teams in direct competition for the remaining places which will offer continental competition next season.
“Christmas was a miserly for Newcastle United in terms of Premier League points return. More a lump of coal than a shiny new BMX bike, three successive defeats around the festive period left most longing for a new year that would bring new hope and a new type of points return. What has followed in 2024 has so far not lived up to that hope. Taking the FA Cup out of the equation and it's just two league victories so far this year for Eddie Howe's side, coming on the road at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
“It's not been as advertised on the brochure, but with the onset of spring comes fresh hope as the Magpies enter a pivotal month that looks set to shape the club's season. Newcastle's next three Premier League games are against sides competition with them for the last European place up for grabs. As much as the FA Cup is a priority as the last trophy up for grabs for Newcastle this season, the three league games next month look at present as the deciding factor in what will shape the outlook of Newcastle's season.”
