Newcastle United started the new year with a bang. Not losing within the first three months of the 2022, form that saw them shoot up the table. However, currently they have not won in the last three games and they will be wanting to change their fortunes tonight against a strong Wolverhampton Wanderers side.

Wolves come into this game winning three of their last five games, and with an outside shot at getting European football this season they will be fighting for every last point. 

Last time out at Molineux, Newcastle were beaten 2-1 after two goals from Hwang Hee-chan. However this was under the previous ownership and management. So can this new look Newcastle side manage to get a result infront of a sold out St James Park?

Team news

Newcastle will again be missing Callum Wilson, Isaac Hayden, Kieran Trippier and Jamal Lewis through long term injury, while Miguel Almiron (COVID-19) and Federico Fernandez (abdominal) will need to be assessed.

The Magpies could also be without summer signing Joe Willock due to a knee injury. And while Joelinton was forced off the pitch against Tottenham Hotspur he is expected to be ok to start.

 For Wolves they have Raul Jimenez (suspension), Ruben Neves (Knee) and  Ki-Jana Hoever (hamstring) all out for tonight's game.

Form guide

Newcastle come into this game with two wins and three losses in their last five games. However they are currently on a three game losing streak and after a heavy defeat last time out at Spurs, manager Eddie Howe will want to turn this recent poor run around.

Wolves come into this game with three wins and two losses in their last five games. Last time out they beat Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa 2-1 at home, and will be looking to build on this as they push for European football.

Previous meetings

Last time out it was Wolves who came out on top in the last meeting between the two clubs with a 2-1 victory.

But the 5 meetings prior to this ended in 1-1 draws. So this fixture is normally a very close affair.

Where to watch on TV?

The match will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Kick off: 8pm, Friday 8th April.

What the managers have said

In his pre-match press conference Howe highlighted how challenging it is to get a result against this Wolves side;

"It's a big challenge. Their record away from home has been very good all season. They're tight at the back and they've got players that can hurt you with the ball. We believe we can beat anybody when we bring our A game so we need to do that."

Howe also spoke on how important it is being back home at St James Park again;

"It's massive for us to be back at home - it does feel like a long time. We've had an intense period of away games so we've been away from home too long. It'll be great to get back and play in front of our crowd."

Wolves manager Bruno Lage spoke about how Newcastle had changed since his side last faced them in October;

"It’s easy to see how they changed, with the players they brought in January. I can see a left-back, a centre back, one top midfielder, a striker, so they changed a little bit."

Lage also spoke about the increased competitiveness at the top of the Premier League, speaking about how increasingly difficult it will be to sustain at the top;

“I think next season will be a big challenge for us because we can see the top six, plus West Ham and Wolves, but behind Wolves are teams willing to invest a lot like Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle, Leicester – they are ready to invest, improve and fight for competitions.”