Wolves striker Raul Jimenez celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Southampton. (Getty Images)
Wolves beat Slovan Bratislava 2-1 away from home on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Europa League to register their second consecutive victory in Europe and take a step closer to qualification to the knockout rounds.
Nuno Santo’s side has managed to win only two of their first nine games in the Premier League thus far and they are likely to face a stern test when they make the trip to Tyneside to face Newcastle United, who were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in their last game.
The Magpies are languishing in the relegation zone and they will be hoping to come away with a positive result against a Wolves side that has endured a hit-and-miss start to the campaign.
Nuno Santo will be expected to make a few changes to the eleven that beat Slovan Bratislava 2-1 in the Europa League. Ryan Bennett (groin) is ruled out while Pedro Neto (calf) will be pushing for a return to the matchday squad.
Diogo Jota picked up a red card in the Europa League tie but that won’t affect his availability for the weekend Premier League clash.
The Portuguese shot-stopper was beaten rather easily at his near post on Thursday but he recovered well to make a number of good saves to guide Wolves to a victory.
The club-captain was outfoxed for Slovan Bratislava’s opener in the Europa League but he held his own to play a key role at the back and came away with a lot of credit.
The towering defender was once again the pick of the Wolves’ backline in the midweek fixture and he is probably one of the first names on Nuno’s teamsheet.
The youngster looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League after giving a good account of himself in an intimidating atmosphere in Slovakia on Thursday.
The Portuguese international was rested for the Europa League game but he has been a regular fixture for Wolves in the Premier League and is expected to start on Sunday.
The veteran continues to be an indispensable cog in Wolves’ midfield with his guile and experience and the onus will be on him to break down a stubborn Newcastle side.
The Belgian international has been pretty mediocre so far but he will probably start ahead of Romain Saiss, who could be rested after an industrious display on Thursday.
Ruben Vinagre started the midweek game but the Spaniard is likely to return to the eleven to take his place on the left-hand side of the pitch against Newcastle.
The former Barcelona man made a big impact from the bench against Bratislava and was instrumental in getting Wolves back into the game with his pace and energy.
The Mexican talisman has found the net in each of his last couple of outings and he will need to fire on all cylinders on Saturday if Wolves are to break Newcastle down.
The Portuguese star made a positive impact as a substitute on Thursday before getting sent off but he looks like a better goal threat up top as compared to Patrick Cutrone.
Middlesbrough keen on Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane According to Teamtalk (h/t Hartlepool Mail), EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough are eyeing…
Rangers to battle Tottenham for Kyle Joseph According to The Sun (h/t The Scotsman), Rangers have joined Premier League side…
If you are thinking about doing your football betting Singapore online there are numerous sites that you can do this…
Rangers set to battle Celtic for Charlton Athletic starlet Alfie Doughty According to The Athletic (subscription required), Scottish giants Rangers…
Celtic will reject AC Milan advances for Odsonne Edouard in January According to the Daily Record, Scottish champions Celtic will…
Middlesbrough interested in Everton winger Yannick Bolasie According to the Northern Echo, EFL Championship outfit Middlesbrough remain interested in signing…