Wolves are taking on Newcastle United in the Premier League tonight and it’s a big test for Vitor Pereira.
The Portuguese has made a great start to life at Molineux, winning three of his five games so far.
But Newcastle are in amazing form at the moment having won their last eight games in a row.
The Magpies have really impressed of late and are pushing to finish in the top four and will see this game as a big opportunity for three points.
But Eddie Howe praised Wolves and Pereira yesterday, and knows that Wanderers could well pose a real threat tonight.
But the key to taking any points will be to defend really well – which is something that rarely happens when Wolves go to St. James Park.
Wolves have never kept a clean sheet at St. James’ Park in the Premier League
St. James’ Park is a difficult ground for any team to go to.
It is loud and boisterous, and undoubtedly the Magpies players often get a big boost from their own supporters.
Wolves are likely going to come under a lot of pressure tonight, so defending well is going to be vital.
Pereira has kept clean sheets in two of his five games so far which is decent.
But heading into tonight’s game, he may be aware of the fact that Wolves have actually never kept a clean sheet against Newcastle at St. James’ Park in the Premier League in nine attempts (via BBC Sport).
Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage, Julen Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil all failed to shut Newcastle out at their ground.
The last time Wolves kept a clean sheet at St. James’ Park was when the two clubs were in the Championship in 2016. Wolves won 2-0, with Chancel Mbemba scoring an own goal and Helder Costa also bagging.
And Wolves’ last away win against Newcastle came in 2018 in the Premier League, courtesy of goals by Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty. There was no clean sheet though, with Ayoze Perez scoring for the hosts.
A big night for Emmanuel Agbadou and co
Wolves will do well to come away from this game with points, given the form of the home team and that awful record of never keeping a clean sheet at St. James’ Park in the Premier League.
But Wolves have looked better defensively of late – and the arrival of new signing Emmanuel Agbadou is ideal.
Pereira praised Agbadou after his debut against Bristol City, and the Ivorian looks a good bet to start again tonight.
He might be the man tasked with keeping Alexander Isak quiet if the striker plays (he has been a doubt due to injury).
Agbadou already looks to be Wolves’ fastest and strongest defender and these traits will be important in terms of nullifying Isak.
But of course, it’s about the whole defensive unit. Santiago Bueno and Matt Doherty must also bring their A-games, or Craig Dawson if he starts.
If Wolves can be solid, then there’s a chance of perhaps nicking a goal on the counter through the likes of Matheus Cunha, Jorgen Stand Larsen and Goncalo Guedes.
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