Newcastle United moved back to the top spot after a Mitrovic goal saw them get the better of the Wolves 1-0. On a day when Brighton grabbed a 4-1 win over Burton Albion, it was imperative that Newcastle United managed to collect all 3 points. It puts them 1 point above Brighton and the neck to neck race between the top two teams of the season continues.
The Magpies did not have an easy outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers and the scoreline conveys that. Jack Colback had a tame shot saved for the visitors early on before Wolves’ Richard Stearman missed from six yards. Mitrovic, who escaped being shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme, slotted Newcastle ahead from close range. In a second half of few chances, Dave Edwards came closest to equalizing when he headed into the side-netting.
The result further improved Newcastle United’s series of impressive away results this season and made them the best team on the road. But things might not have transpired in this manner if the referee hadn’t been so benevolent in his decision making as Mitrovic was fortunate to not have been sent off for a second yellow. The Magpies were not too bothered at the back with Wolves not threatening too much with Edwards’ header early in the second half and a late Helder Costa shot the only times the visitors looked troubled.
Against Norwich, things will be tougher and Benitez will look to get the team notch up yet another 3 valuable points.
Predicted 4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Lineup Vs Norwich City
DEFENCE
Norwich are coming off a resounding victory where they scored 5 goals and will be in a buoyant mood, especially the attackers. Darlow might be in for a difficult 90 minutes if the defence does not do their job properly. Yedlin is likely to be at right-back and will be looking to get forward and keep the Canaries on the backfoot.
The central defensive pairing is likely to be that of Lascelles and Clark as the two combined to keep a solid clean sheet last time around. Hanley provides a solid alternative. Paul Dummett will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Midfield has been a bit of an issue for Newcastle United this season as Benitez doesn’t see himself having many options when he wants to rest Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback. The duo is set to continue in midfield once again and will be flanked by Ritchie and Gouffran on the wings.
ATTACK
Up top, he is likely to go with the same personnel and will look to keep the winning combo intact. Diame, whose return from the AFCON has been a huge boost, will line up behind last match’s goal-scorer Mitrovic. Perez is likely to come on from the bench.
