‘Immediate’ Matheus Cunha decision as Vitor Pereira makes £16m call - Wolves predicted XI vs Newcastle

Wolves return to Premier League action with a visit to Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.

Wanderers will be keen to build momentum after the 2-1 victory over Bristol City in the FA Cup third round but it certainly won’t be easy as Newcastle are the Premier League’s joint-best form team, alongside Nottingham Forest.

The Magpies have been unstoppable over recent weeks with five successive league wins, including triumphs over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. It gets even more impressive when you extend the run to all competitions, with Eddie Howe’s side winning eight in a row since the 4-2 defeat away at Brentford on December 7.

It’s difficult to go as far as to say this game is a free hit for Wolves but Vitor Pereira will be very aware of how challenging it will be to claim points, especially as the clash is away at St. James’ Park. There are several team news boosts, at least, with Matheus Cunha, Nelson Semedo, Mario Lemina and Craig Dawson all returning from injury or suspension.

Without further ado, here’s the strong starting XI we reckon Pereira will name this midweek.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Newcastle

GK - Jose Sa

The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

Back from his injury, the new skipper is bound to head straight back into the XI. Wolves are a much better team when Semedo is playing.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson coming in allows Wolves to have three out-and-out centre-backs in the same XI for the first time under Pereira.

CB - Santi Bueno

The Uruguayan’s form has admittedly been rather hot and cold but he looks better when he has two more physical players alongside him.

CB - Emmanuel Agbadou

Agbadou, a recent £16m signing, played all 90 minutes of the Old Gold’s win at Bristol. There were the odd stray passes but overall he looks to have settled in well.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Wanderers’ opening goalscorer last time out, Ait-Nouri enjoys his more advanced role as a wing-back. We should see the best of the Algerian under Pereira.

CM - Andre

Andre looks more settled under Pereira than he did Gary O’Neil and his ability commands a spot in the XI ahead of Mario Lemina.

CM - Joao Gomes

Energetic and strong in both ends of the field, Gomes makes a superb box-to-box midfielder. He also works well alongside Andre.

RW - Goncalo Guedes

Revived under Pereira, Guedes deserves to continue his run of starts. Hwang Hee-Chan is a decent option too but not ahead of Guedes.

LW - Matheus Cunha

Back following his suspension, Cunha will be raring to go with an immediate start. The Brazilian lives for the big matches and this is definitely no exception.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

Strand Larsen has been benched occasionally but with chances expected to be limited, an out-and-out striker simply has to start.