5 key battles between Newcastle and Wolves
This weekend’s match between Newcastle and Wolves come on the back of contrasting results for both teams.
Benitez’s side put six past a hapless QPR team who couldn’t get close to the Magpies. Meanwhile, Walter Zenga saw Wolves go down 4-0 at home to Barnsley, subsequently cancelling his side’s scheduled day off on Wednesday to prepare for this weekend’s fixture.
There could be changes to both line-ups for this game - particularly Newcastle given Rafa’s penchant for rotation - but here are the battles that we think will be key between the two sides.
Shelvey v Coady
Wolves’ Conor Coady could have his hands full against a seemingly rejuvenated Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park. The defensive midfielder will no doubt be tasked with ensuring that Shelvey doesn’t get the space outside the box afforded to him by QPR at the weekend, where he popped up with two goals from a decent distance.
After an underwhelming start to his Newcastle career Shelvey appears to have found the kind of form that should come as standard for a player worth £12m. Like Kevin Nolan before him, dropping down a division may be the making of his time on Tyneside.
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Gayle v Stearman
Injury robs Newcastle of a reunion with Mike Williamson, who hasn’t actually featured for his new club since signing permanently in January due to injury. With Williamson now not due to play until early next year, Richard Stearman has been brought in on loan for his second spell at his home town club.
Stearman has plenty of height over Gayle, but if Newcastle can continue to provide the kind of quality into the box they did against QPR then the striker has the pace to beat his man on the ground. Balls in behind the back four will be crucial - hopefully we don’t go back to sending high balls forward.
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Atsu v Iorfa
It may be too soon for a first start for Christian Atsu, but if he does get the nod ahead of Gouffran it’ll be an interest battle for pace against Dominic Iorfa. At 6ft 4in the full back will tower over the 5ft 8in winger, but as he showed in his brief cameo against QPR he’s got plenty of tricks up his sleeve and enjoys cutting inside to get a shot away.
If he’s deployed on the left he’ll be up against Iorfa. Having a natural left footer out wide will help with the supply to Gayle, as will an ability to get forward quickly to back up the striker. Although he was fortunate to get an assist against QPR, he was very unlucky not to be on the scoresheet after hitting the bar towards the end of the game. He could instead be brought on late to stretch a tired defence however.
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Mbemba v Mason
After sitting out his side’s midweek rout due to a slight injury, there could be a recall for Newcastle’s best defender Chancel Mbemba. The Congolese centre half has formed a formidable partnership alongside club captain Lascelles and the pair will be confident of keeping the Wolves’ striker off the score sheet.
With three goals from his opening eight games in all competitions, Mason is currently his side’s top scorer. Wolves haven’t particularly struggled for goals this season so all of the back four will have to be on their toes.
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Benitez v Zenga
Once again the two managers have decisions to make about their teams. After such a thumping at the hands of Barnsley Zenga will be asking SOME serious questions about his new team and may decide that radical changes are needed to counter the threat of Newcastle.
Rafa’s charges are in fantastic form - they’re leading the division on goal difference and look more solid at the back then they have done for years. With 11 different goal scorers so far this season it will be difficult for the manager to decide who gets the nod. Expect a few changes from the win over QPR to give some players - especially those who played over the international break - a bit of a rest, especially with the next game (also against Wolves, but in the cup) coming a few days later.
