Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United need two players to excel to come out on top against Wolves on Sunday.
The Magpies head to Molineux for their first game after the international break, as they put their unbeaten start to the season on the line against a Wolves side that are in the relegation zone with just one point.
Given Wolves’ tough start to the season, Paul Merson has backed Newcastle United to win on Sunday.
However, that will be difficult, as Molineux is a ground that the Magpies struggle at. The last time they won a Premier League game there was 2011, with Demba Ba and Jonas Gutierrez finding the net in a 2-1 victory.
But Newcastle United might be more confident going into this game, with plenty of their international stars performing brilliantly for their countries. Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon were all brilliant in their Nations League games, and will hope to carry on that form in a black and white shirt.
Alan Shearer predicts whether Newcastle will beat Wolves on Sunday
And Alan Shearer has admitted to the Metro that he thinks Newcastle can beat Wolves on Sunday if Isak and Gordon continue to shine like they did for Sweden and England respectively.
“Newcastle fans are waiting for the team to get it into gear because after three games, they have two wins and a draw without playing particularly well, which is a good sign,” he said.
“I think with the confidence Isak would’ve picked up from getting his goal for Newcastle and then three for Sweden during the break, plus, the confidence Gordon would’ve picked up from Lee Carsley picking him for England could accelerate the side getting into full flow.
“If those two are on form, I can see Newcastle going to Wolves and getting the three points.”
The international break has helped Newcastle
International breaks are often disruptive, particularly so early into the season.
However, this one may have helped Newcastle United ahead of their clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Isak had endured a quiet start to the campaign, but suddenly has four goals in three games and looks ready to burst into life in black and white again.
As for Anthony Gordon, he was outstanding for England during the Nations League wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland. Playing such an important role for his country will have been a huge boost after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.
On top of that, the 23-year-old will be much sharper thanks to his international outings. Before the break, Howe admitted that Gordon was not quite fit enough, and that Newcastle were trying to build up his fitness in games after not having a proper pre-season.
The same goes for Sandro Tonali too, as he played every single minute of Italy’s two Nations League fixtures. That was a pleasant surprise so soon after the end of his 10-month ban.
That has given Howe something to think about, although it would be a slight surprise if Tonali starts for Newcastle against Wolves.
In contrast, Isak and Gordon certainly will be in the starting XI, and Shearer believes they could hold the keys to victory against Wolves on Sunday.
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