Wolves are taking on Newcastle United on Sunday and are looking for their first win in the Premier League.
Wanderers have had a tricky start so far, taking just one point from games against Leeds United, Fulham and Tottenham Hotpsur.
The Magpies have done well so far, winning one game and drawing two. Last weekend, they held champions Manchester City to a 3-3 draw.
It’s going to be a tough game – and potentially a fairly tough test for Wolves duo Nathan Collins and Maximilian Kilman.
The pair have both looked good in a partnership so far this term.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is unavailable for the game through injury. The Athletic report he’s looking at a three week lay-off.
But that will likely mean a start for Chris Wood, who has given Wolves plenty of trouble in recent times.
The star has scored six goals against Wanderers since the 2019/20 season.
During the 2020/21 campaign he bagged a hat-trick for Burnley in a 4-0 at Molineux, in what was one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s worst results.
And last term, he scored the winner for Newcastle in a 1-0 victory shortly after his transfer to St. James’ Park.
But there is potential for Eddie Howe to field an entirely fresh face on Sunday.
That’s because Newcastle are closing in on Alexander Isak. Fabrizio Romano reported last night that the player is already in England ahead of a £59 million move.
By many accounts the deal is very close. So there’s a chance he could well be registered in time to play this weekend.
Isak is a player with massive talent and potential, and him coming to the Premier League is something that has been mooted for a while now.
Collins and Kilman need to be on top of their games for Wolves this weekend
Sunday’s game with Newcastle will be tough.
They are a team reborn under Eddie Howe, and their showing against City last Sunday was a clear indicator that they will be a solid, competitive outfit in 2022/23.
Wood has always been a thorn for Wolves in recent times. So if it’s him that starts in Wilson’s absence then Collins and Kilman have battle on their hands.
The New Zealand international is probably the likely replacement. But Isak could potentially have some involvement, and Collins and Kilman will need to watch out for the Sweden international.
The Chronicle notes how he can ‘leave defenders for dead with a drop of the shoulder, before embarking on one of his deadly driving runs’.
But Wolves fans will be very encouraged by what they’ve seen so far from Collins and Kilman as a pairing.
Hopefully, both will be on top form at Molineux.