Wolves take on Newcastle United in the Premier League this evening and it’s a big test for Vitor Pereira.
The Portuguese has made an excellent start to life at Molineux, winning three of his five matches so far.
But Newcastle are currently in incredible form after winning their last eight matches in a row.
The Magpies have really impressed lately and are looking to finish in the top four and will see this game as a big three-point opportunity.
But Eddie Howe praised Wolves and Pereira yesterday and knows the Wanderers could well pose a real threat tonight.
But the key to taking points will be to defend very well – which rarely happens when Wolves travel 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.
It’s loud and boisterous, and there’s no doubt that Magpies players often get a big boost from their own supporters.
Wolves are likely to come under a lot of pressure tonight, so defending well will be vital.
Pereira has kept clean sheets in two of his five matches so far, which is decent.
But heading into tonight’s game, he may be mindful of the fact that Wolves have 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 failed to exclude Newcastle on their home field.
-The last time Wolves kept a clean sheet at St. James’ Park was when the two clubs were in the league in 2016. Wolves won 2-0, with Chancel Mbemba scoring an own goal and Helder Costa also marking.
And Wolves’ last away win against Newcastle came in 2018 in the Premier League, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty. There were no clean sheets, however, with Ayoze Perez scoring for the hosts.
A great evening for Emmanuel Agbadou and co
Wolves would do well to come away from this game with points, given the home side’s form and that terrible 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 like a good bet to do it again tonight.
He could be the man tasked with silencing Alexander Isak if the striker plays (he has been a doubt due to injury).
Agbadou already appears to be Wolves’ quickest and strongest defender and those traits will be important in nullifying Isak.
But of course, it’s about the entire defensive unit. Santiago Bueno and Matt Doherty also need to bring their A-games, or Craig Dawson if he starts.
If Wolves can be solid, then there is a chance of putting a goal on the clock thanks to Matheus Cunha, Jorgen Stand Larsen and Goncalo Guedes.
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