Wolves predicted XI vs Newcastle – Matheus Cunha returns as Vitor Pereira grants fans wishes with key change

Wolves return to Premier League action on Wednesday night with a tough trip to European hopefuls Newcastle United.

Wolves are riding high after clinching a 2-1 victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup, advancing into a fourth-round tie against Blackburn Rovers.

Vitor Pereira was commended by Dave Edwards for fielding a strong team at Ashton Gate, and the Old Gold must carry their momentum into Wednesday’s fixture.

The trip to St James’ Park is the start of a daunting fixture run for Pereira’s men, who play Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool in each of their next five.

As the Wanderers are currently level on points with the bottom three, it could be a make or period in the fight for survival, and they’ve been tipped to get off to a bad start.

Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle to beat Wolves 3-0, with many in gold looking to prove him wrong, including those who are returning.

• READ MORE: Forget Matheus Cunha, Dave Edwards thinks another Wolves star gets into ‘any Premier League team’

Wolves team news and injury updates ahead of Newcastle

Pereira’s squad has been tested to the maximum in recent weeks. Matheus Cunha has been out with a two-match ban.

The Portuguese tactician has also been without Nelson Semedo, Toti Gomes and Craig Dawson; three players who are crucial to his defence.

However, Pereira did supply a positive injury update ahead of Newcastle, revealing that Cunha, Semedo, Dawson and Mario Lemina are all fit to return.

There is a guarantee that Cunha will start at St James’ Park, although the other changes aren’t clear-cut, with several players flourishing recently.

For instance, Rodrigo Gomes caused havoc against Bristol City in the absence of Semedo while Pedro Lima impressed on his Premier League debut.

So, with that said, here’s how Wolves could lineup in midweek.

• READ MORE: How much Wolves will pay to turn Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan move permanent

Wolves predicted XI vs Newcastle

Sam Johnstone made his first start under Pereira at the weekend, replacing Jose Sa between the sticks.

Pereira will likely revert to starting Sa in goal against Newcastle, though, as the Portuguese shot-stopper has impressed in recent weeks.

The back three could remain the same in truth, with Matt Doherty on the right, Santi Bueno in the middle and on the left new signing Emmanuel Agbadou who impressed vs Bristol City.

A midfield duo of Andre and Joao Gomes should retain their position in the lineup, despite the return of Lemina, while Rodrigo Gomes can continue on the right with Rayan Ait-Nouri as a left wing-back.

Wolves fans called for Hwang Hee-chan to be sold after his shocking performance at Ashton Gate, and the £14m man will be replaced by the returning Cunha who has 14 goal involvements this term.

Meanwhile, Jorgen Strand Larsen is guaranteed to start alongside the Brazilian with Goncalo Guedes making up the front three.

Wolves (3-4-3): Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Agbadou; R. Gomes, Gomes, Andre, Ait-Nouri; Guedes, Cunha, Strand Larsen.