Newcastle United take on Wolves this weekend in a huge clash for the race for European football next season.
Newcastle have been on a disappointing run of form pretty much since the beginning of December, especially at St James’ Park, while Wolves look to have gone from strength to strength.
In their last meeting Newcastle could consider themselves lucky to come away with a point after they were awarded a controversial penalty that Callum Wilson tucked away as the game finished 2-2.
Newcastle hoping to leapfrog Wolves this weekend
Heading into the new campaign, Newcastle supporters had big ambitions of showcasing their ability in the Champions League and matching last year’s success of a top four finish and a trip to Wembley.
However, reality has hit hard this season with the group of death handed to the Magpies in Europe while a never-ending injury list has taken a toll on their Premier League form, leaving them in 10th.
Wolves beat a quality Brighton team last weekend, after Arsenal’s hammering of Newcastle, and Gary O’Neil’s side have now made it four wins from their last five jumping up to ninth in the league and just six points off of Man United.
With away wins against Chelsea and Tottenham in the last few weeks, Wolves won’t fear a trip to St James’ Park especially with Newcastle’s form there having not won at home since mid December against 10-man Fulham.
Burn to stay, Botman to return to Newcastle’s team
Against Blackburn Sven Botman was left out of the squad as Eddie Howe shared that he needed a rest after recovering from his cruciate ligament injury that he suffered back in September.
The £35m defender hasn’t been at his best since coming back into the team but he’s still a vital part of this Newcastle defence which saw Jamaal Lascelles step in for the FA Cup tie.
Howe is also likely to keep Dan Burn in at left-back despite dropping him against Arsenal for Tino Livramento given the 31-year-old’s poor form as of late.
When Burn did come on against the Gunners he did managed to create a goal for Joe Willock and he then returned to the team against Blackburn where he was again solid, so there’s a good chance he keeps his place.
The big concern for Newcastle fans will be Burn facing up against Wolves’ star man Pedro Neto who has been on fire this season and run teams ragged, picking up two goals and nine assists so far.
In terms of how Wolves will line up, they will be missing key striker Hwang Hee-Chan who has scored four goals in his five games against Newcastle, so a big boost for the Magpies.
Predicted XI vs Wolves: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Miley; Almiron, Isak, Gordon.
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