Newcastle make the trip to Molineux on Sunday as they face a Wolves side beginning to hit their stride following back-to-back Premier League victories.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side's 4-0 hammering at the hands of West Ham last month seems to have acted as a wake-up call, with Wolves recording consecutive 1-0 wins since the defeat as they look to challenge for a European place yet again this season.
Getting #WOLNEW ready.
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 23, 2020
? pic.twitter.com/D3BMx6Ic5v
Newcastle have endured a similarly inconsistent start to the campaign, with their 3-1 win over Burnley followed by a dismal display against Manchester United as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1.
Just five games into the Premier League season and both of these sides have already shown flashes of brilliance along with some haphazard defending - anything could happen in this one.
Here's 90min's preview of the upcoming clash.
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Sunday 25 October
What Time Is Kick Off? 16:30 (BST)
Where Is it Played? Molineux
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
Referee? Lee Mason
Team News
The home side come into this one in good shape in terms of injuries, with Jonny the only noticeable absentee as he continues his rehabilitation following a knee operation.
The club were boosted this week by the news Adama Traore has agreed terms on a contract extension at the club, and he could well feature from the off as Wolves go in search of their third consecutive league win.
SB on Karl Darlow:
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 23, 2020
"He's waited patiently for his chance and he's done very well. We hope he can make it but we've brought Mark Gillespie and he's done well in the cup competitions. We have to see what the next 48 hours bring. Mark is ready if he has to make his PL debut." pic.twitter.com/pn143v9BdG
Steve Bruce confirmed this week that both Karl Darlow and Isaac Hayden would be assessed prior to kick off after they both picked up knocks, though the clash will come too soon to see the return of Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle.
The Newcastle boss will be able to call upon the services of Sean Longstaff after he recovered from a bout of tonsillitis, while summer signing Callum Wilson could become the first Newcastle player to score in each of the club's first three Premier League away games of the season.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves: Patricio; Boly, Coady, Kilman; Semedo, Neves, Moutinho, Saiss; Traore, Jiménez, Neto.
Newcastle: Darlow; Krafth, Lascelles, Schar, Fernandez, Lewis; Saint-Maximin, Shelvey, Hendrick, Joelinton; Wilson.
Recent Form
After bursting out of the blocks on the opening day at Sheffield United, Wolves endured a poor run of form which saw them lose three on the bounce. However, since then Nuno's side have looked more like their usual selves, taking maximum points from their last two Premier League games.
?? The matchwinner
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 20, 2020
? The boss
⭐️ The man of the match
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Bruce confessed this week that he understands the criticism he's faced since his side's wretched performance at home to Manchester United. Despite being just four minutes away from taking a point the Magpies were soundly beaten 4-1 on the night, though seven points from their four league games prior to the defeat is a solid return.
Here's how both sides have fared in their last five outings in all competitions.
Wolves
Leeds 0-1 Wolves (19/10)
Wolves 1-0 Fulham (4/10)
West Ham 4-0 Wolves (27/9)
Wolves 1-3 Man City (21/9)
Wolves 0-1 Stoke (17/9)
Newcastle
Newcastle 1-4 Manchester United (17/10)
Newcastle 3-1 Burnley (3/10)
Newport County 1-1 Newcastle (30/9)
Tottenham 1-1 Newcastle (27/9)
Morecambe 0-7 Newcastle (23/9)
Prediction
After a rocky start Wolves look to be finding their groove again. The news this week that Traore has extended his deal with the club will be a huge boost, and with Raúl Jiménez's future also recently secured and the Mexican rediscovering his goalscoring touch they look in good shape.
It's the same old problems for Newcastle this season. A lack of threat going forward has already sparked murmurings of discontent among the fanbase after just five league games, and last week's hammering to United will have done little to improve the mood around the club.
Wolves should have more than enough to grab the three points in this one.
Prediction: Wolves 3-0 Newcastle
Source: 90min
