Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to face Newcastle United this Sunday at Molineux, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak to five matches in a season marked by ups and downs. A remarkable resurgence has sparked new hope among Wolves supporters, particularly after their impressive FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town, where Jorgen Strand Larsen netted a hat-trick in a decisive 6-1 win.
Just weeks ago, Wolves appeared to be in serious danger of relegation, potentially facing the lowest-ever points total in Premier League history. However, the turn of the calendar year has brought a renewed sense of purpose. Under manager Rob Edwards, the team has secured five points from their last three league matches, including draws against Manchester United and Everton, and a long-awaited victory against West Ham.
Currently propping up the Premier League table, a win against Newcastle could bring Wolves within three points of 19th-placed Burnley. Their recent home form has been encouraging, with back-to-back wins at Molineux where they scored a staggering nine goals, including their first league clean sheet on home soil this season following the victory over West Ham.
On the opposite end, Newcastle United is looking to build on their current momentum. Despite struggling early in the season away from home, they recently recorded their second away win at Burnley, marking the beginning of a four-match winning streak. However, their bid to retain the EFL Cup faced a setback with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the semi-finals, putting pressure on the team as they head into this crucial league match.
Newcastle sits comfortably in sixth place in the Premier League standings, only three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Winning this match would allow them to achieve their first three consecutive league victories in January since 1996. However, the team will be without crucial players like Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy due to injuries, which could impact their performance against a revitalized Wolves squad.
In terms of team selections, Wolves have seen some players return from injury, providing a boost to their lineup. Edwards will have some tough decisions to make, especially after Strand Larsen’s standout performance. Conversely, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe faces challenges due to his depleted squad, significantly impacting their typical play style.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on both teams to see if Wolves can capitalize on their home advantage or if Newcastle will assert their dominance and continue their strong league run. With the stakes high for both sides, fans can expect an exciting clash that could shape the trajectories of both clubs as the season progresses.