Prediction: Newcastle vs Wolves

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to find a Premier League boost on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will welcome Wolves to St. James’ Park for what could be another cagey affair.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have gained a string of praise before heading into the World Cup’s winter break, the Magpies are now seeking what is a much-needed boost. Eventually slumping to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Manchester United in this year’s EFL Cup final on February 26th, Eddie Howe’s side are now facing an uphill struggle in their bid to claim a famous Champions League spot. Slipping out of the top-four, the former Bournemouth boss has now seen his side lose each of their last three meetings against Premier League opposition by a 2-0 scoreline. Last seen once again showing plenty of attacking issues at the Etihad, Newcastle have also won just one of their last eight top-flight contests. With that run stemming all the way back to a 3-0 victory against Leicester on Boxing Day, Howe’s side face what could be a crucial battle this weekend.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury, Newcastle will once again be without defender Emil Krafth on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, Howe has confirmed that Scotland international Ryan Fraser will play no further part in his first-team plans this season.

Impressing off the bench in last weekend’s 2-0 loss against Manchester City, Alexsander Isak will be hoping for a full recall at St. James’ Park.

Wolves

As for the visitors, while many in Wolves’ camp will still be looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, Julen Lopetegui’s men should be boosted by an eye-catching display last weekend. Although the one-time Real Madrid boss might have seen his side open March by collecting just a single point from their three Premier League outings, the Oranges clinched a stellar 1-0 victory against Tottenham last time out. Now with their sights set on trying to find some stability, some around Molineux could be smelling the chance to spring a real upset at St. James’ Park. However, last seen on their travels getting hit with a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, it should be noted that Wolves have shown some extended struggles on the road. In fact, Sunday’s guests have recorded just one win outside of the Midlands from their last seven attempts – a run that stems all the way back to Boxing Day.

Team News

Wolves will make the trip to St. James’ Park without the likes of Boubcar Traore, Sasa Kalajdzic, Chiquinho and Hee-Chan Hwang. Likewise, 20-year-old Hugo Bueno is once again a major doubt here after picking up a muscle injury last month.

Coming off the bench and bagging the winner against Spurs last weekend, Adama Traore will be hoping for a full recall on Sunday afternoon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met on August 28th, Newcastle and Wolves played out a 1-1 draw at Molineux.
• In fact, five of the last seven Premier League meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished in a 1-1 draw.
• Newcastle have claimed just a single Premier League victory from their last eight attempts – a run that stems all the way back to Boxing Day.
• Wolves have recorded just one win from any of their last seven domestic contests away from Molineux.
• 10 of the last 13 meetings between Newcastle and Wolves have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Losing each of their last three meetings against Premier League opposition by a 2-0 scoreline and with just a single Premier League win to their name since Boxing Day, Newcastle really are seeking a boost. Slipping out of the top-four and showing some extended issues in the final third, Howe’s side could face another rugged test at St. James’ Park. Watching Wolves claim what could turn out to be a crucial 1-0 victory at home against Tottenham last weekend, Sunday’s guests should be smelling the chance to spring an upset here. However, only claiming a single win on their travels since opening 2023, neutrals could be treated to a low-scoring battle this weekend. It should be noted, with 10 of the last 13 meetings between Newcastle and Wolves finishing with under 2.5 goals, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: Unibet