Newcastle vs Wolves Preview
- Newcastle to win
- Isak to score
Newcastle United host Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park in a clash between two sides with contrasting ambitions this season.
The Magpies are chasing a top-four finish and aim to extend their remarkable winning streak, while Wolves are battling relegation and looking to build on their recent improvements under Vítor Pereira.
Newcastle United: Flying High
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle come into this fixture on the back of an eight-game winning streak across all competitions, with five of those victories coming in the Premier League.
This impressive run has bolstered their top-four ambitions, and a sixth straight league win would mark their best run since 2022.
Newcastle’s form at St James’ Park has been strong, with consecutive home league wins. However, they’ve shown a tendency to slip into stalemates after such runs, as evidenced by three straight 1-1 draws following back-to-back wins earlier this year.
With Wolves being frequent draw specialists in this fixture (11 of 19 Premier League H2Hs), the Magpies must be wary of dropping points.
Key Player to Watch
Fabian Schär: The Swiss defender has never lost against Wolves (W4, D4), contributing three goals and showcasing his aerial prowess and defensive resilience.
Wolves: Fighting for Survival
Vítor Pereira’s Wolves remain in the relegation battle, but their recent form has shown promise. Pereira has collected seven points from his first four league games in charge (W2, D1, L1), and Wolves’ FA Cup win over Bristol City has added a layer of confidence to their camp.
Defensive frailties remain an issue, especially away from home. Wolves have kept just one clean sheet on their travels in the league this season, and they’ve never managed a shutout in nine Premier League visits to St James’ Park.
The arrival of Emmanuel Agbadou for £16.6m is a step toward addressing their defensive weaknesses, but it remains to be seen if he can make an immediate impact.
Key Player to Watch
Matheus Cunha: Returning from suspension, Cunha has been Wolves’ key attacker, with most of his ten league goals this season coming away from home.
Head-to-Head Record
- Draw Specialists: This fixture has seen 11 draws in 19 Premier League meetings, the highest rate for any matchup played 15+ times in the competition.
- Recent Form: Newcastle won the reverse fixture earlier this season and are chasing their first league double over Wolves since the 1905/06 campaign.
- St James’ Park History: Wolves have never kept a Premier League clean sheet in nine visits to Newcastle’s home ground.
Tactical Insights and Key Battles
Newcastle’s Offence vs Wolves’ Defence
Newcastle’s attack, spearheaded by Isak, will test Wolves’ defence, which has struggled to keep clean sheets on the road. Agbadou’s potential debut could be pivotal in containing Newcastle’s dynamic forward line.
Midfield Control
The midfield battle between Bruno Guimarães and João Gomes will be crucial. Newcastle will look to dominate possession and dictate the game’s tempo, while Wolves aim to break up play and launch quick counterattacks.
Set-Pieces and Aerial Duels
Newcastle’s prowess from set-pieces, with players like Schär and Botman, could be a decisive factor, especially against Wolves’ inconsistent defensive setup.
Prediction: Newcastle’s Momentum to Continue
Newcastle’s scintillating form and strong home record make them favourites in this encounter. While Wolves have shown improvement, their defensive vulnerabilities and poor record at St James’ Park could prove costly.
Predicted Score: Newcastle 2-0 Wolves
Final Thoughts
This clash promises to showcase Newcastle’s top-four credentials and Wolves’ fight for survival. With the Magpies flying high and Wolves struggling on the road, the odds favour Eddie Howe’s men to secure another vital three points in their impressive campaign.
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Newcastle v Wolves, 2024/25 | Premier League