Barclays Premier League – Monday Fixture, Team News, & Predictions
Wolves Machine to Roll On!
By Marc Gingell
Wolverhampton Wanderers (7) v Newcastle United (17) Molineux Stadium Kick-off 20:00
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to make it four out of four when they host Newcastle United tonight after impressive wins against fellow mid-table teams Leicester City, West Ham United, and Everton.
Nuno Espírito Santo
Wolves boss, Nuno Espírito Santo, recently 45 and from a place called São Tomé and Príncipe which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, received a red card for diving into his teams huddle after their late winner against Leicester. He’s another proactive type of manager with a team that appears as if they will run through brick walls for him.
Raúl Jiménez
Striker Raúl Jiménez, 27 from Tepeji, Hidalgo, Mexico, is currently on loan from Portuguese club Benfica with a £38M buyout clause. He’s finding his Premier League feet and has nine goals from 25 appearances. He had a barren patch of five, between September 22nd and October 27th, but he’s scored three in his last two games. He’s also managed five assists and had 75 shots. Two shots less than Harry Kane. He could be a big threat to Newcastle tonight.
Wolverhampton Injury / Fitness Update
Diogo Jota: Knock – 75% chance of playing
Newcastle United
Newcastle are just out of the bottom three by virtue of a minus-four goals better off position than Southampton. Just like the top of the table, who falls through the trap door in 18th place, could be determined by goal difference. On the road, Rafael Benítez has guided his side to two wins. Away to Burnley, during their Europa League hangover, and 1-0 at Huddersfield. Last time on the road, at Wembley against Spurs, a massive 83rd minute error by keeper Martin Dubravka gifted the points to the home side.
Miguel Almirón
Newcastle will have their January transfer window signing Miguel Almirón available for this one. The Paraguayan international, 25 yesterday, signed from American Major League Soccer team Atlanta United for club record £20M.
Newcastle United Injury / Fitness Update
Robert Elliot: Lack of match fitness – Unknown return date.
Jonjo Shelvey: Thigh injury – Expected back 23 Feb.
Prediction
Rafael Benítez masterminded a superb home win against Manchester City on January 29th and he will have his team set up with his normal attention to detail. Wolves, promoted from the SkyBet Championship last season, are enjoying a massive season. They’ve beaten Spurs and Chelsea in the Premier League. And drawn with both Manchester clubs as well as Arsenal. In the FA Cup, they beat Liverpool.
