Newcastle maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 2-1 win over Tottenham thanks to a late Alexander Isak strike and could have the wind in their sails when they head to Wolverhampton on Sunday, despite an untimely international break.
In contrast, the hiatus for international action would have been welcomed by Wolves, who had taken just one point from their opening three Premier League matches and will be looking to break a dreadful run of form when the Magpies arrive at Molineux.
Team news
Wolves trio Yerson Mosquera, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mario Lemina will all need assessing but Gary O’Neil has hinted that all three should be fine to feature in some capacity.
Despite a return to training this week, this match has likely come too soon for Newcastle’s Joe Willock and he is set to miss out alongside Callum Wilson, Sven Botman, Lewis Miley and Jamaal Lascelles.
Fabian Schar is back from suspension and should partner Dan Burn in defence with Emil Krafth a doubt.
Prediction
Newcastle were under the cosh for long periods against Spurs, but Eddie Howe’s men showed great defensive resilience to hold on before Isak’s goal on a counter attack sealed an important three points.
The grit and desire of the Magpies could prove vital throughout the campaign but they may not even require it in their next match as they take on an out-of-sorts Wolves side who have won just one of their last 13 Premier League matches.
Even more worrying for Wanderers fans will be the fact their team has lost nine times in that run and it is not as if they have been any better at Molineux either.
Wolves have lost five of their last six home league matches — the sole win in that run coming against relegated Luton — and a visit from Newcastle, who are unbeaten in the past five meetings between the pair, is unlikely to provide the tonic for their woeful form.
The Magpies have aspirations of becoming one of England’s top sides. One thing top sides do is beat the teams below them home and away, something Newcastle have done frequently of late.