Wolverhampton Wanderers are back in Premier League once again this Sunday afternoon as they head away from home to face Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Wolves approach the clash with plenty of confidence having beaten Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, whereas Newcastle are in a bit of a rut.
The Magpies’ position in the table has slumped following an incredibly difficult fixture run with the Carabao Cup Final sandwiched between games against Liverpool and Manchester City. Eddie Howe’s side have not won a Premier League match since January 15 – shocking perhaps given they have been in the top six all season.
Newcastle remain a very difficult side to beat, though, as they have lost just three matches all season – two of which have come in the last few weeks. They will be as keen as anyone to get back to winning ways at the weekend, especially on home soil up against a bottom half side. The incentive is also there for Wolves, though, as they can leave the bottom three in the dust.
With it being such a tough challenge, we are expecting Lopetegui to pull out all the stops when it comes to his starting lineup. Diego Costa’s injury has made things a little troublesome, but the Spaniard still has plenty of other options at his disposal. With that in mind, here is the XI we think Wanderers will go with on Sunday. See below.
1. Wolverhampton Wanderers predicted XI vs Newcastle United
Here are the 11 players we think Lopetegui will start against The Magpies on Sunday.
2. GK: Jose Sa
Man of the match display to deny Tottenham from scoring in the 1-0 win last weekend. Simply no competition at current.
3. RB: Nelson Semedo
Bounced back against Spurs after a slip-up in the defeat to Liverpool. Another tough clash against Newcastle now, but Semedo will be raring to go.
4. CB: Craig Dawson
Continues to keep Nathan Collins out of the side after some very good showings. He could prove to be one of the best signings of the winter at this rate.