The upcoming clash between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers promises to be a high-stakes affair as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the Premier League. With a number of key players missing from both sides, the match will be an interesting test of depth and strategy. This article delves into the latest information on the expected lineups for both teams, exploring their recent form and how they might line up for this fixture.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Predicted Lineup

Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the management of Gary O’Neil, have shown resilience this season, particularly after a shaky start. The team will enter the match against Newcastle with a relatively healthy squad, apart from a few notable absences. One of the significant injuries is Hugo Bueno, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since late September​. However, Wolves will be bolstered by the return of two key players: Mario Lemina and Nelson Semedo. Lemina, having served a one-match suspension, is set to return to midfield, while Semedo will also rejoin the squad after a series of yellow cards​.

In attack, the influential Hwang Hee-chan will be expected to continue his fine form, while Matheus Cunha remains the focal point of the Wolves attack. Cunha has been integral to Wolves’ offensive play, and his link-up with wingers Pedro Neto and Hwang has been vital for their offensive output​.

The likely formation for Wolves is a 3-4-3, which has allowed them to remain compact defensively while supporting their attacking efforts with width from the fullbacks. The expected lineup is as follows:

Formation: 3-4-3

Goalkeeper: Sa

Defenders: Kilman, Dawson, Toti

Midfielders: Semedo, Traore, Lemina, Ait-Nouri

Forwards: Neto, Cunha, Hwang​.

Newcastle United’s Predicted Lineup

Newcastle United, under Eddie Howe, are facing a few significant challenges ahead of their trip to Molineux. The team has already been hit with a series of injuries, and recent setbacks in their midweek Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund have compounded their issues​.

Key injuries include Alexander Isak, who is sidelined with a recurrence of a groin injury, and Jacob Murphy, who sustained a shoulder injury during the same match and is expected to miss a substantial amount of time​. Additionally, Elliot Anderson is out with a back injury, and the team will also miss the services of Harvey Barnes, who is recovering from a long-term injury​.

Despite these setbacks, Newcastle United will still have a solid starting XI. Nick Pope, the ever-reliable goalkeeper, will continue between the sticks, while the defense will be marshaled by Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will likely start as the fullbacks, providing defensive stability while also supporting the attack​.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes will continue to play a pivotal role, alongside Joelinton and Sean Longstaff. The trio will be crucial in controlling the midfield and supporting the offensive play. Up front, Anthony Gordon, who has been a revelation this season, will be expected to lead the charge in the absence of Isak​.

The predicted formation for Newcastle is a 4-3-3, with a focus on midfield dominance and quick counter-attacks. The likely lineup is as follows:

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Pope

Defenders: Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn

Midfielders: Joelinton, Guimaraes, Longstaff

Forwards: Gordon, Wilson, Almirón​.

Key Battles to Watch

Midfield Duel: Guimaraes vs. Lemina

Bruno Guimaraes, known for his vision and passing range, will be crucial for Newcastle’s possession-based game. He will face off against Mario Lemina, who is expected to provide the physicality and dynamism in midfield for Wolves. This battle could be key to determining which team gains control of the game in the middle of the park​.

Wolves’ Wingers vs. Newcastle’s Fullbacks

Wolves’ wide attackers, particularly Hwang and Neto, will look to exploit the spaces behind Newcastle’s fullbacks. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will need to be disciplined defensively while offering width in attack to counter Wolves’ pace and creativity​.

Striker Showdown: Cunha vs. Wilson

With both teams missing key attackers, the onus will be on Matheus Cunha for Wolves and Callum Wilson for Newcastle to deliver in front of goal. Cunha’s pace and versatility make him a constant threat, while Wilson, despite not being in the best form, has the ability to score from almost any situation​.

FAQs 

What formation is Newcastle United likely to use against Wolves?

Newcastle United is expected to stick with their favored 4-3-3 formation, which has been successful in both domestic and European competitions. The defensive four, consisting of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Jamaal Lascelles, and Dan Burn, will play a key role in protecting goalkeeper Nick Pope. The midfield trio of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Longstaff will likely work to break up Wolves’ attacks and push forward when in possession​.

How will Wolves line up against Newcastle?

Wolves are likely to field a 3-4-3 formation, which has allowed them to play an aggressive yet defensively solid style of football. The back three of Max Kilman, Craig Dawson, and Toti will try to keep things tight at the back, while wingbacks Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri will offer width and support in attack​. The midfield will feature João Gomes and Mario Lemina, with the attacking trio of Pedro Neto, Matheus Cunha, and Hwang Hee-chan looking to cause problems for Newcastle’s defense​.

What are the potential tactical matchups to look out for?

Midfield Battle: The matchup between Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Wolves’ Mario Lemina will be crucial. Guimaraes’ creative play and passing range will be tested by Lemina’s physicality and defensive awareness. This battle will likely dictate the flow of the game​.

Wing Play: With both teams likely to use width in their attacks, the battle between Trippier (Newcastle) and Neto (Wolves) will be key. Trippier’s defensive capabilities and attacking set-piece delivery will be tested by Neto’s pace and dribbling​.

In Summary

The upcoming match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers promises to be an exciting encounter. With both teams having their own injury concerns, the lineup predictions offer insight into the tactical setups and key players who could swing the match in their favor. Newcastle will look to bounce back from recent setbacks, while Wolves will aim to capitalize on their improved form. Fans can expect a competitive match with significant implications for both teams as they look to climb the Premier League standings.

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