The tough fixtures continue for Newcastle as Wolves head to St James’ Park this weekend.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side arrive on the back of a 2-1 Europa League win on Thursday, while the Magpies will be looking to make it back-to-back home wins.
With fresh injury woes, how will Steve Bruce’s side lineup against Wolves?
Fernandez to replace Schar
The biggest pre-match blow was news that Schar is out with a knee injury.
The gaffer has three options: Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, or a change in formation. In this instance, the Argentinian is his best bet. Dummett started the season well but is better on the opposite side, while a change to a back four would be a risk against a side like Wolves.
Bruce moved to a back four against Leicester, a decision that backfired spectacularly. Against Wolves, he must stick with his favoured formation.
Last chance for Matty Longstaff?
The Wolves clash is the third and final game of Isaac Hayden’s suspension. That means the pressure is on Matty Longstaff to perform as his place in the team is at risk.
But he should start his third game in a row against Wolves, alongside older brother Sean. The pair were decent again against Chelsea, despite the defeat.
Joelinton over Gayle
Andy Carroll is injured, but all the talk this week has been about whether Joelinton or Dwight Gayle should start.
For me, the Brazilian deserves the nod. Yes he’s struggled, but he’s getting no support. And it’s too early for Gayle to start a game. He’s only made one substitute appearance so far after a fairly lengthy injury.
With Carroll out, we can’t afford to rush Gayle and risk another setback. But this could be Joelinton’s last chance to prove he deserves to start.
Predicted lineup: Dubravka; Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark; Yedlin, M Longstaff, S Longstaff, Willems; Saint-Maximin, Joelinton, Almiron.
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