2017-02-11



Rafa Benitez takes his team to the Midlands as they bid to keep hold of top spot in the Championship.

Paul Lambert's side will be without midfielder Joe Mason. The Irishman missed last week's defeat against Burton Albion with a hernia complaint.

Former Newcastle man Mike Williamson will also miss the game due to a slight groin issue.

Long term injury victims Jordan Graham and Michael Zyro remain sidelined.

Aside from that, everybody else is available for selection.

Roman Saiss is back after featuring for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations and could well slot into the heart of midfield.

Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro and Nouha Dicko will all give the side pace and flair in attack. Costa especially has been in superb form of late.

Dominic Iorfa may return at right back, allowing Conor Coady to return to his natural midfield position. The rest of the back four will remain unchanged however.

For Newcastle, they will again be without Dwight Gayle. The 20-goal striker will be available for the trip to Norwich next time out.

Vurnon Anita and Rolando Aarons remain long term absentees, but Jack Colback should return after illness.

Chancel Mbemba and Christian Atsu are both back from international duty and could both feature for the Magpies.

Jonjo Shelvey faces Wolves for the first time since he was controversially accused of directing racial abuse towards Saiss.

Jamaal Lascelles will probably make a return to the starting line up too, after Benitez claimed he was simply left on the bench because of a hip injury.

With regards to who plays up front, the decision rests solely with the manager. Both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy are fit and available.

Likely line ups

Wolves: Ikeme, Coady, Stearman, Hause, Doherty, Saiss, Saville, Costa, Edwards, Cavaleiro, Dicko

Newcastle: Darlow, Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie, Diame, Atsu, Mitrovic

Score prediction: Wolves 1-1 Newcastle

The game has been selected for television and can be watched live on Sky Sports. You can also follow the game through BBC Radio Newcastle's live match commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website. Kick off is at 5:30 GMT.

Show more