After a run of four home games in 10 days to kick off 2026, Newcastle are back on the road this weekend.
Sunday's 2pm kick-off sees us travel to rock bottom Wolves, handing us a big chance to make it four Premier League wins in a row, respond to Tuesday's cup defeat against Man City and build on our improved standing in the league after starting the weekend in 6th.
In a season that's been consistently inconsistent, this one feels absolutely vital and a massive moment in our campaign, especially with the hectic run of games to follow, with PSV, Aston Villa, PSG and Liverpool all still to come this month.
This won't be a walk in the park, mind. After picking up only two points from their first 18 points, Wolves have gone four games unbeaten, winning one (3-0 vs West Ham) and drawing two (1-1 at Man Utd and Everton) of their last three league games before beating Shrewsbury 6-1 in the FA Cup.
Does that mean we shouldn't expect a win? No. But this isn't quite the same down and out Wolves side and our away form has to improve, with the 3-1 win at Burnley a step forward after toothless 1-0 defeats to Sunderland and Man Utd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u70CFPK-L0
Fabian Schar Tino Livramento remain long-term absentees, while Jacob Murphy is facing a 'period of rest' to help him manage an ongoing hamstring issue, despite scans showing no injury.
Dan Burn and Will Osula are edging closer to resuming training, but Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles remain out.
IN: Tonali, Barnes, Woltemade.
Looking at our away form and Wolves' upturn in form, this has banana skin written all over it if we take Rob Edwards' side too lightly.
We have a lot to prove away from home and the hosts are playing with an element of freedom right now, so we must take confidence from recent wins and assert our dominance early.
I think it'll be tight, but I back us to get the job done.
Prediction: Wolves 1-2 Newcastle
Howay the lads!
