Eddie Howe is quick to warn Newcastle United of the threat of Pedro Neto as the Magpies go up against one of the Premier League’s most in-form forwards against Wolves this weekend.
After initially struggling to recapture his pre-injury form, Pedro Neto is most certainly making up for lost time now, partying like it’s 2020 once again while flying down the flank in a blur of black and gold.
Neto goes into Saturday’s evening clash against Newcastle United in the form of his life. In nine league appearances, the Portugal international has seven goal contributions, grabbing his seventh assist of the campaign in the 2-1 win at Gary O’Neil’s former employers AFC Bournemouth last time out.
Only Kieran Trippier – who could find himself in direct competition with Neto tomorrow – has set up as many goals as Wolves’ jet-heeled number seven.
And Howe, while praising the impact O’Neil has made since being parachuted into Molineux at such short notice, knows his Newcastle defence cannot afford to rest for a second with Neto around.
Newcastle United face Wolves at Molineux
“I think Gary has done a great job in such a short period of time. I think it was a big task for him going in to Wolves,” Howe tells The Chronicle.
“It’s not a long time to stamp his authority on the team. (O’Neil is doing) really well. The win against Manchester City, the win against Bournemouth… I thought the team was excellent.
“They’ve got some very dangerous players. Neto is in very, very good form and he’s a dangerous player. They’ve got good attacking players, so we’ll have to be alert and recover very quickly from Wednesday night.
“And that’s the big challenge for us.”
‘Very dangerous’
Newcastle will be without a throng of key players at Molineux. Alexader Isak and Jacob Murphy have joined Harvey Barnes and co on the treatment table, though Sandro Tonali may be available with a proposed 10-month ban yet to be officially confirmed.
“I think every Premier League game you have to be wary,” Howe adds, Newcastle reeling after the 1-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in midweek.
“You have to respect the opposition. You have to identify their strengths. But also, if we’re at our best levels, I believe we can beat anybody in the division. The challenge for us is to solely focus on our own performance.
“And make sure that we’re the best we can be.”