Chris Sutton predicts what the score will be between Newcastle and Wolves

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Newcastle United are back in action against Wolves this weekend.

Attention turns back to the Premier League after Eddie Howe’s side squeezed past Blackburn Rovers thanks to a penalty shootout in the FA Cup.

Newcastle were battered in their last League game as Arsenal exploited the defensive issues that continue to undermine Howe’s side.

While Wolves may be without one of their star players in Hwang Hee Chan, they have already caused problems this season for Newcastle, with the two teams drawing 2-2 back in October.

It is difficult to know what to expect from Howe’s side right now. Inconsistency has confused the Magpies coach all season, after all.

Still, pundit Chris Sutton has now delivered his prediction.

Newcastle vs Wolves: Chris Sutton Premier League prediction

Speaking to BBC Sport, the pundit predicted a 2-1 win for Newcastle.

“I keep backing Newcastle at home but they haven’t won any of their past four games at St James’ Park,” he said.

“That has to change if Eddie Howe is going to keep his job. I don’t think he is on the verge of being sacked but he does need a strong end to the season to maintain that belief that he is the man to take them forward.

“Of course he is striving to do that but, right now, they are 10th and miles off the kind of form they showed to crack the Champions League places last season, when Howe over-achieved.

“Wherever they finish in the table, they need to get back to being the swashbuckling team they were earlier on in this campaign.

“The more I think about it, the more I think Wolves will nick this but I am actually going to keep backing Newcastle, because the law of averages means they are going to win at St James’ Park again sooner or later.”

Newcastle vs Wolves: Howe lacking home comforts

St James’ Park was a fortress for Newcastle last season. They lost only two games on home soil, conceding jus 14 goals in the process.

This time around, however, such home comforts have deserted Howe. Already this season, they’ve lost three games and have let in a whopping 31 goals thus far. Wolves, meanwhile, have won their last three away games in all competitions.

The bedrock of home form upon which Newcastle built last season’s success is no longer there. Given recent defensive performances too, it’s hard to feel overly confident about a home win.

Wolves are no doubt an impressive team but losing to them at home would not be a good look for Newcastle.

Let’s hope Sutton is right.