Wolves take on Newcastle United in the Premier League tonight and Vitor Pereira can make a huge statement with a win at St. James’ Park.
It has been a positive start to life at Molineux for the Portuguese, with three wins under his belt from five games so far.
But he faces potentially his toughest test yet tonight in the form of Newcastle, who have won eight games in a row.
Eddie Howe’s side have some serious momentum going right now. They’re one of the most in-form sides around at the moment, and there are several threats for the Wolves players to keep an eye on.
Worryingly, Wolves have never kept a clean sheet at St. James’ Park in the Premier League, having had nine attempts to do so. It will take a big effort tonight to banish that record.
But Eddie Howe did praise Wolves and Pereira ahead of the game, and he knows full well that Wolves have threats of their own.
It promises to be a great game, and here are three big battles worth looking out for tonight.
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Three key battles in Newcastle vs Wolves
Nelson Semedo or Rodrigo Gomes vs Anthony Gordon
Pereira gave a positive Wolves injury update yesterday, revealing Matheus Cunha, Nelson Semedo and Craig Dawson are back from their injuries.
Semedo could therefore come straight back in at right wing-back at the expense of Rodrigo Gomes. It would be harsh for Rodrigo to be dropped, but with Cunha coming back in on the left, Pereira may have to take that decision.
But whoever plays at right-back is going to have to bring their A-game, because Anthony Gordon will play from the left for Newcastle.
Gordon is one of the fastest players in the Premier League, but thankfully, neither Semedo nor Rodrigo are slouches. With 12 goal contributions in 25 appearances across all competitions, the threat of Gordon is clear.
Joao Gomes vs Joelinton
The biggest battle of the match could well take place in midfield between Brazilians Joelinton and Joao Gomes.
Wolves fans know all about Gomes and his tenacity, aggression and ball-winning ability.
And Newcastle have a similar player in Joelinton, who is their enforcer in the engine room.
It will be a miracle if either of these players finishes the game without a yellow card to their name, and there’s a strong chance that if a booking is given, then one player will have directly fouled the other.
Andre and Bruno Guimaraes are also combative, but they are likely to both look to dictate play whereas, Gomes and Joelinton may provide more energy.
Santiago Bueno vs Alexander Isak
With 13 Premier League goals so far, Alexander Isak is Newcastle’s biggest threat and talisman.
He is essentially the Matheus Cunha of Newcastle, and someone who can cause major problems for any team.
It’s likely, given he plays down the middle, that he’ll be having a lot of dealings with Santiago Bueno tonight, with the Uruguay international having featured as the middle centre-back for weeks now.
For a lot of people, the jury is still out on Bueno. But he can make a statement tonight by keeping one of the most in-form strikers in world football at the moment quiet.
There has been some doubt about Isak playing tonight after he picked up an injury recently. But Wolves must prepare for him to play, and Bueno will need good support from Matt Doherty and new signing Emmanuel Agbadou and the two midfielders in front of him.