Match Preview: Newcastle United vs Wolves (Premier League)

Match: Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Date: Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Kick-off: 19:30 GMT

Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle

Newcastle United, riding a five-match winning streak, host an inconsistent Wolverhampton Wanderers side at St James’ Park. Newcastle have displayed defensive solidity and clinical attacking prowess, firmly establishing themselves as top-four contenders under Eddie Howe. Wolves, despite flashes of brilliance, continue to struggle with consistency, making this an uphill battle against an in-form Newcastle team.

Last five matches:

• Newcastle 3-1 Bromley
• Arsenal 0–2 Newcastle United
• Tottenham 1–2 Newcastle United
• Manchester United 0–2 Newcastle United
• Newcastle United 3–0 Aston Villa

Key Insight: Five consecutive wins highlight Newcastle’s defensive strength and attacking efficiency, with 12 goals scored and two conceded in this run.

Last five matches:

• Bristol City 1-2 Wolves
• Wolves 0–3 Nottingham Forest
• Tottenham 2–2 Wolves
• Wolves 2–0 Manchester United
• Leicester 0–3 Wolves

Key Insight: Wolves have oscillated between strong performances against big teams and poor showings against weaker opposition, exemplifying their lack of consistency.

• Callum Wilson: Hamstring injury (Expected return: Early February 2025)
• Emil Krafth: Broken collarbone (Expected return: Early February 2025)
• Jamaal Lascelles: Cruciate ligament injury (Expected return: Mid-January 2025)
• Nick Pope: Knock (Expected return: Mid-January 2025)
  

• Boubacar Traoré: Knee injury (Expected return: Mid-January 2025)
• Nelson Semedo: Hamstring injury (Expected return: Early February 2025)
• Sasa Kalajdzic: Cruciate ligament injury (Expected return: Mid-January 2025)
• Yerson Mosquera: Knee injury (Expected return: Early June 2025)
  

Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
Defenders: Lewis Hall, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, Tino Livramento
Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon

Goalkeeper: José Sá
Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Matt Doherty, Craig Dawson, Santiago Bueno, Rayan Ait-Nouri
Midfielders: João Gomes, Mario Lemina
Forward: Matheus Cunha, Hee-chan Hwang, Jorgen Strand Larsen

Starting line-ups may vary depending on tactical changes from either head coach.

Eddie Howe’s side will dominate the game with a midfield trio that combines creativity, control, and defensive discipline. With Isak’s intelligent movement, Murphy’s energy, and Gordon’s directness, Newcastle will look to stretch the Wolves’ defence. Their high press and quick transitions will be pivotal in exploiting Wolves’ vulnerabilities.

Strengths:

• Versatility in attack and midfield dominance.
• Strong defensive organisation and high pressing.

Weaknesses:

• Depth in defence may be tested with an injury to Pope
  

Wolves will likely employ a compact defensive structure, relying on counterattacks to threaten Newcastle. Hwang’s pace and Cunha’s creativity will be key, supported by Gomes and Lemina in breaking up Newcastle’s midfield control.

Strengths:

• Quick counter-attacking opportunities.
• Solid central defensive options with Dawson and Bueno.

Weaknesses:

• Susceptibility to sustained pressure.
• Inconsistency in transitioning from defence to attack.
  

Newcastle will dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game, pushing Wolves deep into their half. While Wolves will aim to frustrate the hosts with a low defensive block, Newcastle’s creativity and pressing will likely create numerous chances. Wolves’ counter-attacking threat could lead to opportunities, but Newcastle’s current form and home advantage make them strong favourites to claim three points.

Given Newcastle’s incredible form and Wolves’ inconsistency, this fixture is expected to tilt heavily in Newcastle’s favour. Wolves may nick a goal, but Newcastle’s offensive depth and defensive solidity should ensure a comfortable win.

Predicted Scoreline: Newcastle United 3–1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Result: Newcastle to Win
• Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
• Both Teams to Score: Yes
  

Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last 11 home matches against Wolves in the Premier League. Wolves’ last win at St James’ Park came during their 2016 Championship campaign.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.