Hwang Hee-Chan injury assessed as Gary O’Neil picks auxiliary striker - Wolves predicted XI v Newcastle United

Wolverhampton Wanderers have a glorious opportunity to move into the Premier League top seven as they travel northeast to face Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.

As it stands ahead of the weekend, Wolves are one point above the Magpies and merely one behind West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion. European football could genuinely be on the horizon if the momentum continues but achieving a positive result at Newcastle is easier said than done.

O'Neil, speaking on Wednesday after the 1-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup, revealed his fear of heading to St. James' Park, knowing how tricky of an atmosphere his players will face. It's no wonder O'Neil feels like that as Newcastle have the sixth-best home record in the Premier League this season.

There's one particular team selection headache O'Neil faces for Saturday and it's in the striker position as Hwang Hee-Chan sustained a hamstring injury midweek. The South Korean was filling in up top for the sidelined Matheus Cunha but yet another auxiliary forward will have to be selected this time around.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Newcastle

Including a resolution to the striker dilemma, here are the 11 players we predict will start away at Newcastle.

GK - Jose Sa

Sa, who is undoubtedly the first choice goalkeeper, will be delighted with back-to-back clean sheets. A much tougher challenge awaits but the Portuguese will be confident about completing the hat-trick.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo had a bit of a rest midweek, only coming on in the latter stages. Although Matt Doherty did well, Semedo has really improved under O’Neil and is ahead of the Irishman in the pecking order.

CB - Max Kilman

The skipper has been vital to Wanderers’ success this season. Not only has he been a leader from the back, but also very solid defensively. This has shone through in Wolves’ last two matches, with shut-outs in both.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson heads back into the XI after being rotated out against Brighton. Santiago Bueno had a decent game, it has to be said, but Dawson provides vital experience in the heart of defence.

CB - Toti Gomes

Toti, who has been superb as a left-sided centre half, still hasn’t given O’Neil an excuse to drop him. He’s got lots of energy and stamina, too, putting him at low priority for a rest.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian has been absolutely excellent since returning from AFCON, giving Wolves another avenue in which to attack from. His assist against Sheffield United was particularly impressive.

CM - Mario Lemina

Lemina took a knock on Wednesday but O’Neil was confident post-match that the midfielder would bounce back. The former Juventus man has been so important to Wanderers’ success this season.

CM - Joao Gomes

The Brazilian has been enjoying his football this term and he never seems to run out of steam. Both a workhorse and a threat, Gomes simply has to start most games. It feels tough for Tommy Doyle to be benched but that’s been a regular occurrence.

RW - Pablo Sarabia

Sarabia didn’t have as long a rest as probably desired last time out as he had to come on for Lemina. It was a short sit-out nonetheless, though, giving the in-form Spaniard some extra energy for Saturday.

LW - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

Bellegarde has been more of an impact substitute over recent weeks but he could have a chance to impress due to Neto’s position change. The talent is definitely in there but the decision-making must improve.

ST - Pedro Neto

The auxiliary striker choice this weekend is likely to be Neto, who has played as a centre forward 16 times in his career to date. He’s better out on the wing but Hwang Hee-Chan’s injury gives O’Neil very few options.