Jorgen Strand Larsen’s absence for Wolves’ trip to Newcastle leaves Vitor Pereira with a decision to make at striker.
Heading into this one, first-choice Jorgen Strand Larsen isn’t available, meaning it’s a choice between Tolu Arokodare and Hwang Hee-chan.
On one hand, fans are dying to see Tolu in action after his £24 million move from Genk on deadline day.
On the other hand, Hwang has started already this season, scoring against Everton and leading the line in Wolves’ only win of the season against West Ham.
Comments from Vitor Pereira in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash hint at who the Wolves manager is leaning towards.
Tolu Arokodare unlikely to start given Vitor Pereira’s comments
Pereira is looking at this game as a must-win, despite Newcastle being heavy favourites at home.
He spoke to Wolves’ official website about the challenge of integrating new signings with no Premier League experience.
He says: “We cannot expect that when you go for a player from other leagues, in one day they will be ready, or in one week they will be ready to compete in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is a different league, it needs time.”
- READ MORE: Predicted Wolves XI to face Newcastle with as Jorgen Strand Larsen replacement decision made
Tolu’s previous comments about playing time suggest he is not at full match-fitness, and given Pereira’s stance on giving new players time, it points to the Nigerian not making his first Wolves start this weekend.
Hwang Hee-chan is waiting in the wings, and he will be happy to get the nod, now that a move away from Molineux is ruled out.
New signings need to bed in quickly for Wolves to overcome early-season struggles
As much as Pereira is showing new signings understanding and not rushing their introduction, Wolves need that injection of quality, and they need it now.
Should Wolves struggle against the Magpies without Strand Larsen and lose badly, it will lead to another week of speculating on Wolves’ risk of relegation and all the negatives that come along with having zero points from a possible 12.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 16 |  West HamWest Ham | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | -4 | 3 |
| 17 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 2 |
| 18 |  FulhamFulham | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 2 |
| 19 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 1 |
| 20 |  WolvesWolves | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
What Wolves really need is for one of Jhon Arias or Fer Lopez to get off the mark and go on a run of form. Both have shown promise, but they are in the hot seat until they can produce something of significance.
As well, no more silly mistakes leading to goals from the back line.
This difficult Newcastle trip isn’t going to decide the season. A loss probably wouldn’t land Pereira in any hot water with fans.
But another really poor performance would suggest things aren’t improving, and signings might not be ready for this level.