Newcastle United will look to secure their ninth consecutive win across all competitions when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening.
Eddie Howe’s side comes into the match full of confidence after a 3-1 victory over Bromley in the FA Cup and a dominant run of form that has seen them win five straight Premier League matches.
The Magpies are now just a point off the top four—with Nottingham Forest still there, somehow, but inevitably bound to fall off at some point—and have scored at least two goals in each of their last ten games, a testament to the offensive improvement and Alexander Isak’s ruthless efficiency.
Wolves, on the other hand, are fighting to stay above the relegation zone, sitting 17th with only goal difference keeping them out of trouble as they have the same points as Ipswich Town in 18th.
Newly-appointed Vitor Pereira’s team earned a solid 2-0 win over Bristol City in the FA Cup, but their 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League earlier this month exposed ongoing defensive issues that won’t be fixed in time for their matchup at Newcastle. Wolves’ backline, for context, has conceded a massive 45 goals (the most in the EPL) in 20 matches this season.
Newcastle’s injury list includes Harvey Barnes, who suffered a muscular problem in their FA Cup win, while Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy, and Joe Willock are doubtful but could return after the cup tie gave them some relief.
Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth, and Nick Pope remain sidelined with Martin Drubavka still expected to be in NUFC’s goal despite the speculation about a potential departure to Saudi Arabia in the next few days or weeks.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On the mood in the camp…
“There’s a good energy, a good feel. We know this is an important week for us, coming up to two big Premier League games, at home again, so it’s great to be back at home. We’re looking forward to it.”
On the need to maintain focus…
“For me, I know it’s boring, but it’s game by game and it’s trying to keep our focus on what we can affect, which is our next training session, our next game. It’s making sure that we’re not getting ahead of ourselves in both ways – when we were having a disappointing run, it was about making sure we didn’t throw everything out and become despondent, and it’s exactly the same when you’re winning.
“It’s making sure you’re consistent with what you do, the messages are clear, and we focus and don’t take this position for granted. The Premier League is an unforgiving league and we can’t take our eye off the ball.”
On the fitness of the players he left out of the win over Bromley…
“We’ll have a look at them again today. They were all left out for genuine reasons, so all different things, but nothing major – minor problems that we needed to settle down. Fingers crossed they’ll be there or thereabouts.”
On Harvey Barnes, who was withdrawn at half time on Sunday…
“Harvey will be missing for a period of time. We don’t think it’s a serious injury, but it’s enough to keep him out for a few weeks. He’s had a scan, it’s not too bad, but it will be enough to keep him out. He will definitely miss the upcoming games.
“It’s an injury to his thigh, a muscle in his thigh. He did it crossing the ball just towards the end of the first half.”
On being drawn away to League One leaders Birmingham City in the Emirates FA Cup…
“We always say we’d have preferred to be at home. But I think it’s an interesting draw. Birmingham are in great form, and Chris Davies has done a brilliant job there. They’ve got big ambitions as a football club so I think when that game comes round it’ll be a tough test for us.
“It’s a tough ground to go to, but we look forward to the FA Cup, and we’re keen to do well in the competition.”
On Wolves boss Pereira…
“I think he’s obviously connected with the players very quickly – you can see that. I think they’re playing with a confidence that belies their form coming in to when he took the job. They look a very settled team, they’ve got a really good way of playing, a very brave way of playing, a very clear identity. Their system has been formed when he came in and he’s stuck with that and it looks like it’s benefitting them.
“I think a lot of positives for how he’s attacked the role. Wolves will be very dangerous opponents, they’ve got some very good players, especially in the front line. They’ve got some dangerous attackers that we’re going to have to control.”
On the test awaiting his side on Wednesday night…
“It’s a dangerous game for us, because Wolves are a good team, as I say, so we don’t underestimate anyone in the Premier League. We know how difficult the league is. You have to be focused and mentally right to win any game. I think they’re all challenges that we face.
“But we believe in ourselves, we’re at home and we love playing at home, so there’s a lot going for us as well.”
Howay!
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 15th
- Kick-off: 19:30 BST / 14:30 EST
- Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (England)
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