Paul Merson predicts what the score will be between Newcastle United and Wolves

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Paul Merson fears Newcastle United have one eye on the Carabao Cup ahead of their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Magpies are in league action on Wednesday night, as Eddie Howe’s side faces Wolves at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United can make it nine wins in a row with a victory, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts.

But the most exciting thing about the Magpies right now is their Carabao Cup journey, after Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-0 in the semi-final first leg. They have got one foot in the final, and will aim to get the job done at St James’ Park on February 5th.

Before that, Newcastle United have four Premier League games, and Eddie Howe will be keen for his players not to be distracted by the lure of Wembley.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Wolves

That is Paul Merson’s fear.

However, the former Arsenal forward has still told Sportskeeda that he thinks Newcastle United will beat Wolves on Wednesday evening.

“Newcastle are playing some amazing football with all their main players firing at the moment,” he said.

“They’re a team that’s absolutely flying! Newcastle have one eye on the Carabao Cup final after beating Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of the semi-final last week. I bet they wish they could play the return leg this week instead of next month because by that time, they risk having injuries or losing steam.

“I still expect Newcastle to win here though. Wolves enjoyed a kick-start when the new manager came in. But then they lost to Nottingham Forest and I can see them losing again in this one! It should be back to reality for Wolves.”

Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Newcastle’s major selection dilemma against Wolves

Merson is predicting a comfortable Toon win, and that is what Newcastle United fans will be hoping for.

There will be plenty of changes to Eddie Howe’s starting XI, with the Newcastle United manager set to welcome back his major stars after rotating his side for the FA Cup clash with Bromley.

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak will be back in the starting lineup, but it remains to be seen who Howe will pick at centre-back.

Throughout the season, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have struck up a brilliant partnership. They have played very well together, with Gordon calling Burn Newcastle’s player of the season.

However, Sven Botman is now back from injury, and performed brilliantly in wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. His return gives Howe a selection headache, as three centre-backs do not go into two.

Given how well Schar and Burn have played all season, it feels likely that they will start against Wolves, but the availability of Botman does hand Howe a welcome dilemma.