Newcastle United will entertain Wolverhampton Wanderers at St. James’ Park this weekend hoping to grind out a positive result at Tyneside. The Magpies suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, so they will be eager to produce a much-improved showing versus Nuno Espirito Santo’s men on Saturday night.
Steve Bruce will probably opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation and is expected to make a couple of tweaks to his first-team for this home game in the Premier League. Martin Dúbravka and Dwight Gayle could both get a start at the expense of Karl Darlow and Joelinton, who is unlikely to be fit for this match after picking up a knock recently.
4-3-1-2 Newcastle United Predicted Lineup To Face Wolves
Defence
Bruce has already decided that he will reinstate Martin Dubravka as his first-choice keeper after Karl Darlow shipped in three goals versus the Red Devils earlier this month. Ciaran Clark could continue to feature alongside Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the Magpies backline as they look to neutralise the threat of Wolves’ Willian Jose during the 90 minutes.
Emil Krath will be a nailed-on starter at right-back while Jamal Lewis continues to play on the other side as the left-back. Both Newcastle full-backs will look to maintain a solid defensive shape at the back so that they can stop Wolves from getting in behind them from the flanks.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden will anchor the Newcastle midfield while Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock operate alongside him at the centre of the park. The hard-working trio will have to find a way to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm in the game and also feed some decent passes to their teammates up top.
Miguel Almiron could get the nod to function in the number ten position and will be instructed to make some driving runs with the ball on the counter. Matt Ritchie and Jeff Hendrick will have to settle for a spot on the bench but might come on to influence the game in the second half if needed.
Attack
Dwight Gayle will probably get an opportunity to lead the line for the home side along with Allan Saint-Maximin in the final third. The dynamic duo will have to find a way to cause a few problems for the Wolves centre-backs this weekend.
