St. James’ Park is set to be the battleground for an important Premier League clash this Saturday, where Newcastle United will host Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves). With both teams struggling early in the season, this match carries significant weight for their aspirations moving forward.
Match Overview
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle
Last Meeting Result: Newcastle United 3-0 Wolves on January 15, 2025
Newcastle United enters this match with ambition and urgency, seeking their first win of the season. After a lackluster start, having drawn twice and lost once, the pressure is mounting on manager Eddie Howe to steer the ship in the right direction. Wolves, on the other hand, find themselves in crisis mode, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with no points from their first three matches. A loss on Saturday would mark a historic low for Wolves, setting them on a path of despair that no club wants to face.
Team News
Newcastle United:
Eddie Howe has received a much-needed boost with the return of influential midfielder Joelinton. After recovering from a hip injury, he will be instrumental in stabilizing the midfield and pushing the team forward. However, the Magpies will have to cope without suspended winger Anthony Gordon and injured midfielder Jacob Ramsey. Additionally, new signing Yoane Wissa is also unavailable due to a minor injury, although promising forward Nick Woltemade is poised to make his debut, potentially adding fresh energy to the attack.
Wolves:
Vítor Pereira faces a series of challenges with his squad. Star striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has been nursing an Achilles issue but is expected to lead the line after passing a late fitness test. The Wolves’ defensive line may face changes too, as defenders Ki-Jana Hoever and Hugo Bueno are both under scrutiny ahead of the match. Young forward Leon Chiwome remains sidelined due to a long-term injury, further compounding their woes.
Recent Form
Newcastle United:
The Magpies have been defensively sound but struggle offensively. They have allowed only 18 shots against them this season, a testament to their robust defense. However, their failure to convert opportunities and find the back of the net has seen them drawing two of their three matches. The hope is that the potential debut of Nick Woltemade can inject some much-needed clinical finishing into the squad.
Wolves:
Wolves’ form has been alarming, with a record of three losses to start the season, conceding eight goals, the most in the league. The ongoing slump, extending from last season where they managed just one point from their final seven matches, only adds to the pressure on the players and staff. A defeat against Newcastle would signify a catastrophic start, marking the first time in their 127-year history that the club would begin a campaign with four consecutive losses.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United’s Projected XI:
- Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
- Defenders: Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall
- Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton
- Forwards: Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes
Wolves’ Projected XI:
- Goalkeeper: José Sá
- Defenders: S. Bueno, Agbadou, Krejci
- Midfielders: R. Gomes, J. Gomes, Andre, Moller Wolfe
- Forwards: Fer López, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Arias
How to Watch
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the traditional 3pm blackout rule, but fans can follow along with live text commentary and updates available on BBC Sport.
Key Factors
Pressure on Management: Both teams are under immense pressure to deliver positive results. A continued streak of bad results could lead to increased scrutiny on the coaching staff, making this match pivotal.
Momentum Shift: A victory for Newcastle could provide the spark they need to launch their season, while Wolves could use a win to reverse their course and build momentum, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
- Defensive Resilience vs. Attacking Struggles: Newcastle’s solid defense will be tested against a Wolves attack that needs to find form quickly. For Newcastle, converting chances will be crucial if they hope to turn draws into victories.
Summary
As Newcastle United and Wolves face off at St. James’ Park, both teams are desperate for points to kickstart their seasons. While Newcastle looks to capitalize on their home advantage, Wolves must overcome their alarming start to avoid setting unwanted records. With key players on both sides either returning or stepping up, the stage is set for an exciting clash with significant implications for both teams’ futures in the Premier League.
Fans from both clubs will undoubtedly be glued to their screens, hoping for a display of resilience and superiority. Will Newcastle find their scoring touch, or will Wolves manage to claw their way out of the misery? This match promises to be a thrilling encounter as two teams on rocky roads clash in search of redemption.
