Wolves’ task against Newcastle United made even more difficult by worrying stat

With the international break almost behind us, it’s time to focus once again on the Premier League, with Wolves travelling to face Newcastle on Saturday.

For the past few seasons, an away day to St James’ Park has been one of the more difficult games on the calendar.

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The atmosphere on Tyneside can be stifling, and Eddie Howe seems to be able to get a perfect tune out of his side in front of their fans.

But one concerning stat suggests Wolves will have an even tougher time than most this weekend.

Eddie Howe’s record at Newcastle against Wolves is astonishing

In the seven meetings with Wolves since Eddie Howe arrived on Tyneside, Newcastle are unbeaten.

They have won on five occasions and drawn twice.

Both draws came at Molineux, so Saturday’s objective will be to preserve a 100% win record against Wolves at St James’ Park.

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It’s a record that doesn’t bode well for Vitor Pereira’s side, who are still looking for their first points of the Premier League season. History suggests the odds are stacked against them.

But Newcastle haven’t been at their best to start the season.

Wolves can break Eddie Howe’s streak if they get their defence in order

Newcastle are heavy favourites in this tie, but their results so far aren’t all that encouraging.

Two goalless draws from three suggests Newcastle aren’t at their clinical best right now.

Alexander Isak’s absence has been felt in the opening weeks, and while they have replaced the Swede with two exciting options in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, we don’t know yet if those signings will start strong.

Joelinton and Jacob Ramsey are doubts for this game, and Anthony Gordon is suspended.

If Wolves can follow in Leeds and Aston Villa’s footsteps and keep the diminished Newcastle attack at bay, there’s every chance to steal a result.