Wolverhampton Wanderers are undefeated in their last seven matches in all competitions. Despite their 11 points and 13th place position in the Premier League, Wolves have lost just twice in the league which is fewer than Manchester United and Everton.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team went away in midweek in the Europa League and won 2-1 at Slovan Bratislava. Wolverhampton Wanderers conceded a first half goal but scored twice in the second half to win the fixture and move to second place in their group.
Now, Wolverhampton Wanderers turn their attention to the Premier League where they will play Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Magpies have won just once in their last seven matches in all competitions. That victory came against Manchester United in the league prior to the international break. Steve Bruce’s team continues to struggle as they sit in 18th place in the table.
Newcastle United need a victory to emerge from the relegation zone. A draw would most likely see them remain in the bottom three and they could possibly be leap frogged by Norwich City.
Wolverhampton Wanderers were undefeated against Newcastle United last season taking four points from six possible. Wolves won at St. James’ Park 2-1 before the two sides drew 1-1 in the second match at Molineaux.
The two sides met in China for the Asia Premier League Trophy tournament in preseason with Wolverhampton Wanderers winning that fixture 4-0. The difference between this season and those previous matches between the sides are Wolves’ Europa League exploits.
The Europa League has taken a lot out of Wolves and fatigue will be a factor on Sunday. Wolverhampton Wanderers had to make a 2,400-mile roundtrip journey to Slovakia on Thursday and now go to Newcastle for Sunday. There will be little recovery time.
Bruce is waiting on the fitness of Andy Carroll. The target man is suffering from a groin strain and is likely to miss out.
Fabian Schar and Matt Ritchie are both working their ways back to fitness, however, the latter is a potential absentee for the fixture. Newcastle United will be without Isaac Hayden due to a suspension.
Matt Ritchie and @lejeune_florian were involved as Steve Bruce's squad prepared for Sunday's visit of @Wolves.View the full gallery: https://t.co/ngmmpRO9Fy pic.twitter.com/wbmQG9P2Gh— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 23, 2019
Matt Ritchie and @lejeune_florian were involved as Steve Bruce's squad prepared for Sunday's visit of @Wolves.View the full gallery: https://t.co/ngmmpRO9Fy pic.twitter.com/wbmQG9P2Gh
Santo will be without Ryan Bennett who has been ruled out for the fixture due to a groin injury. Pedro Neto could return to the team but may be held out to preserve him for midweek action. Santo may also have fatigued players miss out due to the Europa League midweek fixture.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their way with Newcastle United over the last 12-plus months. However, due to their fatigue and playing on Thursday night, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United will finish level.
Expect under 2.5 goals scored with Sunday’s fixture ending level. Seven of Wolves’ last eight matches ended with under 2.5 goals and this will be another to end in a similar fashion.