Steve Bruce is still searching for his first win of the season as his side face a Wolves team at the Molineux that reignited their underwhelming start to the season with a win over Southampton.
Bruce’s mags have come under fire from fans and media due to their winless first six games, with early performances being criticised. However recent draws against Leeds and Watford have seen his side boast an array of chances, whilst lacking the clinical nature the Premier League desires.
Similarly, Bruno Lage has been trying to convince fans, with his fluid passing out from the back style, and with wins against only Watford and Southampton it still seems as if it is looking to click.
Captain Conor Coady has also been questioned recently for his performances, despite being called up to Gareth Southgate World cup qualifiers team. However, Coady has been a stalwart of the wolves side for the past three to four years, and it looks as if he still has the faith of the new boss.
The last four ties between these sides have ended in 1-1 draws, and there is a lot to suggest history will repeat itself.
The current seasons stats show that despite Newcastle’s higher goal tally, Wolves are creating more big chances and more importantly have a couple of wins to their name.
This will be of high importance to Bruce and his side, for not only to kickstart their season, but also to get the winning feeling back amongst the players, boosting morale.
Lage’s side will also be boosted in confidence by Newcastle’s lack of clean sheets this season, not even tallying one.
Without starter and key player Martin Dubravka, youngster Freddie Woodman started the season due to Karl Darlow testing positive for Covid-19.
Woodman however did not have the best of times, conceding 12 in just four league games.
This, plus Darlows recovery, has seen him return to the side, with Woodman being dropped.
Raul Jimenez finally returned to the scoresheet, much to football fans across the worlds delight, after his serious head injury that kept him out for the majority of last season.
This could see a boost in confidence for the man, alongside new partner Hwang Hee-Chan who opened his account in the win against Watford.
There is no doubt also that a lot of this week’s training for Newcastle will have been on how to halt dangerman Adama Traore. The confident, free spirit on Wolves right wing is always subject to media praise for his dribbling and power, however, is still failing to produce the kind of end product that would see him as one of the most talented in the league.
Contrastingly, Newcastle’s free spirit on the right, Allan Saint Maximin, has finally been delivering what the fans know, and expect he can. After a goal against Leeds and an assist against Watford, his numbers are finally beginning to match his talent.