Wolves host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday looking for their first three points of the season.
When the fixture list was drawn for the 2024/25 campaign, Wolves always knew they were in for a tough start, suffering defeats against Arsenal and Chelsea.
Gary O’Neil’s men then secured a draw at Nottingham Forest last time out however, the upcoming period presents difficult fixtures, starting with Newcastle on Sunday.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their first three matches – including a win over Tottenham at St James Park – as Eddie Howe’s men cement their place towards the top end of the table.
O’Neil dropped a concerning hint on Wolves transfer policy in Friday’s press conference, as he suggested the club won’t spend much in the future.
That is something supporters didn’t want to hear as they prepare to take on Newcastle, with Chris Sutton issuing his prediction.
Chris Sutton issues score prediction for Wolves vs Newcastle United
Wolves’ recent record against the Magpies is alarming; they’ve won just one of their last 10 matches in this fixture.
Recent form this season also points towards an away victory but Paul Merson believes Wolves can nick a point against Newcastle on Sunday.
Surprisingly, Merson isn’t the only pundit who has predicted a share of the spoils, with Sutton forecasting a 1-1 draw.
“Newcastle are unbeaten in the Premier League so far but their performances have not been there and they have got away with it a little bit up until now,” Sutton wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“Wolves, in contrast, are yet to win. They made lots of mistakes when they got hammered 6-2 by Chelsea, but created plenty of chances themselves too.
“Is it going to click for Newcastle this time, or will Wolves get it together? You could make a case for both teams and, whoever wins, it would not surprise me.
“The safe bet would be a draw here, and you can guarantee that is the result the public will vote for above, but only spineless people would go for that…”
Hwang Hee-chan’s record vs Newcastle
Whilst Newcastle are unbeaten in their first three games, the Toon haven’t been convincing in those wins and their defensive statistics speak volumes.
Howe’s men rank fifth bottom for expected goals against with 6.12 xGA this term, which demonstrates how they’re conceding a lot of chances, teams just aren’t punishing them.
Wolves will need a moment of inspiration and a spark to win this game. The likely source is Matheus Cunha, arguably O’Neil’s most important attacker, but also Hwang Hee-chan.
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Hwang hasn’t enjoyed the best start to this season and was dropped in the draw against Forest however, he has scored four goals in his last five in this fixture.
Whether it’s from the bench or starting this contest, the South Korean must be involved in some capacity, as he’s become Newcastle’s nemesis in recent years.