Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to Newcastle United at Molineux on Sunday afternoon. The sides are often tough to split, with five of their last seven encounters finishing in a 1-1 draw. Improvements to both squads over the course of the summer will hopefully provide spectators with a high quality game.
Wolves are still hunting for their first win of their Premier League campaign. Bruno Lage's men scored just five minutes into their opening day defeat at Elland Road, but have not found the back of the net since. Promising performances against both Fulham and Tottenham have fuelled belief among fans that goals will start flowing in the near future.
Newcastle will be full of confidence heading into Sunday's game. Last week's 3-3 draw at home to Manchester City will be fresh in the mind of Eddie Howe's players, with a sense of disappointment that they could not hold on for all three points. Howe's side will still feel that they are the favourites heading into this weekend's clash.
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Team News
Bruno Lage confirmed in his pre-match press conference that every member of his first team squad is available for Sunday's game. The recent returns of Raul Jimenez, Nelson Semedo and Adama Traore have bolstered what was a heavily depleted Wolves squad. Jimenez marked his first start of the season with a goal against Preston North End on Tuesday, and the Mexican will be hoping to start on Sunday, providing the hosts with a much needed physical presence in attack.
Matheus Nunes is expected to partner Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in midfield once again, with Leander Dendoncker expected to miss out. Nathan Collins and Max Kilman have seemingly formed a strong partnership at the back and are the foundation of Lage's new look side.
The Magpies will be in high spirits following the arrival of Swedish international Alexander Isak. The centre forward joins as Newcastle's record signing, seemingly softening the blow of Callum Wilson's injury. Howe claims Wilson will not miss a significant amount of matches, although he is expected to miss the trip to the West Midlands. If Isak does not start, Chris Wood will lead the line for Howe's side.
Emil Krafth will be sidelined for several months after sustaining a knee injury at Tranmere Rovers on Wednesday night. Dan Burn and Ryan Fraser are both hopeful of making the squad, while Jamaal Lascelles is available for selection.
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Likely Line-ups
Wolves
Sa; Jonny, Collins, Kilman, Ait Nouri; Neves, Nunes, Moutinho; Guedes, Jimenez, Neto (4-3-3)
Newcastle United
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin (4-3-3)
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Key Players
Wolves' club record signing, Matheus Nunes had a promising first week in the West Midlands. Good performances against Tottenham and Preston have whetted the appetite of an anxious fanbase.
Nunes adds to what was a one-dimensional Wolves midfield, where both Neves and Moutinho looked to play similar roles when in possession. A midfielder with the ability to carry the ball at pace is something Lage has desired ever since his arrival in Wolverhampton, and he will be hoping to see Nunes add goals to his game.
It is no secret that Allan Saint-Maximin has the ability to frighten any defence in the world. His pace and ability on the ball can unlock backlines across the league, as Wolves found out in April. Saint-Maximin's run from deep was the catalyst in a move that saw Newcastle win a penalty in their 1-0 victory at St James' Park. With Wolves' new found style of attacking football, the Frenchman may find himself with plenty of space in behind Lage's onrushing fullbacks.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Wolves play host to Sunday's clash, with the game taking place at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 2pm, Sunday 28th August.
How can I watch?
The match is the first game of Sky Sports' coverage of Super Sunday. This is available on channel 402 on Sky.