Newcastle United aims to secure European qualification this season and currently occupies 5th place in the Premier League, just one point behind 4th. After a slow start to the campaign, the Magpies have found their stride, delivering impressive performances and climbing the table.
They are on a five-game winning streak in the league, with emphatic victories over Leicester (4-0), Ipswich (4-0), Aston Villa (3-0), Manchester United (2-0), and Tottenham (2-1). Recently, they defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final and hosted Bromley in the FA Cup last weekend.
Wolverhampton is enduring a challenging season, sitting 17th in the table and level on points with the first relegation spot. A managerial change in December saw Vitor Pereira take charge, briefly lifting the team out of the relegation zone.
Under his leadership, Wolves achieved wins against Leicester (3-0) and Manchester United (2-0) and earned a 2-2 draw at Tottenham. However, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last Monday and played Bristol City in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Newcastle faces several absences, including first-choice goalkeeper Pope, forward Wilson, and backup defenders Lascelles and Krafth.
Despite these setbacks, the team can rely on Alexander Isak, who is in top form with 13 goals and four assists this season, establishing himself as one of Europe’s best forwards. He is supported by Murphy, who has contributed three goals and seven assists, and Gordon, who has added five goals and five assists. Additionally, defensive stalwart Botman has recently returned after a long injury layoff.
Wolves will be without key players, including defenders Toti and Mosquera, long-term absentee midfielder Traoré, and backup forwards Kalajdzic and Gonzalez. However, they welcome the return of Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, who has ten goals and four assists this season, after serving his suspension.
Cunha is expected to partner with Strand Larsen, who has seven goals and two assists. Despite these attacking options, Wolves continue to struggle defensively, holding the worst defensive record in the league. In an effort to improve, they signed defender Agbadou from Reims during the transfer window.
Prediction
Newcastle has been dominant at home, winning six of their last eight matches and remaining unbeaten in their last seven league games against Wolves, with three wins in their last four meetings. Wolves, by contrast, have struggled on the road, winning only three of their last 19 Premier League away games.
Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Wolves
