It’s been a tricky start to the season for Wolves but following the international break, Gary O’Neil will be eyeing a positive shift in momentum.
Wolves were beaten comfortably by Arsenal and Chelsea but did secure a much-needed point against Nottingham Forest last time out.
The Wanderers have conceded nine goals in their opening three matches but Gary O’Neil surprisingly didn’t blame the Wolves defence for shipping six at home to Chelsea.
One thing is for certain, their back line must tighten up for the visit of Newcastle, otherwise, it could be a long afternoon for O’Neil’s men.
Eddie Howe’s men have secured seven points from a possible nine and were 2-1 victors over Tottenham Hotspur before the break.
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Alan Shearer predicts the result of Wolves vs Newcastle United
With both sides entering this contest in contrasting form, it was perhaps a surprise that Ian Wright and Roy Keane agreed that Wolves vs Newcastle would end in a draw.
On the other hand, Paul Merson has fired a ‘serious’ warning to O’Neil while predicting the Magpies to beat Wolves 2-1.
Unsurprisingly, that is a prediction shared by Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who believes the dangerous duo of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon could wreak havoc at Molineux.
Predicting his side Newcastle to win 2-1, Shearer wrote in his column for Metro: “I think with the confidence Isak would’ve picked up from getting his goal for Newcastle and then three for Sweden during the break, plus, the confidence Gordon would’ve picked up from Lee Carsley picking him for England could accelerate the side getting into full flow.
“If those two are on form, I can see Newcastle going to Wolves and getting the three points.”
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Matheus Cunha holds the key to unlocking Newcastle
Wolves will need to be on guard against Newcastle, who could find it difficult to live with the pace of Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Isak.
The Toon trio can hurt any defence in the Premier League on their day and after watching their opponents concede nine goals in three, they will fancy their chances of causing further damage here.
The counter-attack, as always, will hold the key for Wolves in transition, particularly when Matheus Cunha picks up the ball in space.
Cunha is essential to the Wanderers’ attacking play and their chances of securing a result on Sunday, with the Brazilian ranking in the top 2% of forwards across Europe for successful take-ons and the top 4% for progressive carries.
Operating just behind Jorgen Strand Larsen in the number 10 position, Cunha’s effortless ball-carrying and a sharp eye for goal are two ingredients that offer hope for Wolves.
Further, Newcastle also rank fifth bottom for expected goals against this season (6.12), despite conceding just two in three games.
That statistic will also fill the hosts with confidence, as the visitors are prone to conceding chances, with Cunha capable of capitalising.