Wolves eager to avoid unwanted record in trip to Newcastle.
Newcastle United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers takes place at St James’ Park on Saturday, September 13, at 15:00 [GMT+1].
A goalless draw with Leeds United not only left Newcastle in 17th place but also with just two points, having remained winless in three opening games [DLD]. With the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s future resolved following a bitter end and a transfer to Liverpool, the Magpies are looking to breathe some new life into their Premier League campaign as they prepare to take on Wolves. The historical record tilts heavily in Newcastle’s favour. The Magpies have lost just two of their 20 Premier League matches against Wolves (W7 D11), a defeat rate of only 10% – their lowest against any side they have faced at least 20 times in the competition. Scoring consistency is another marker of Newcastle’s edge in this fixture. The Magpies have found the net in all 20 of their Premier League games against Wolves, a record bettered only by Arsenal, who have scored in every league game against West Brom (26) and Wolves (22). That reliability in front of goal suggests the hosts are well-placed to continue troubling Wolves’ defence. Yet, form coming into this encounter is less encouraging for Eddie Howe’s side. Newcastle are winless in their last five Premier League matches (D2 L3), their longest such run since September 2022. Defensively, vulnerabilities have resurfaced, while defeats in both of their last two league games at St. James’ Park have raised concerns. The Magpies have not lost three consecutive home league matches since February 2021, a record they will be determined to avoid repeating. A 4—3—3 formation with newcomer Nick Woltemade at the centre of attack is expected. Anthony Gordon is suspended for this fixture.
Wolves, meanwhile, who are at the bottom of the table, are facing a crisis of their own. The visitors have started the 2025/26 campaign with three defeats from three and risk setting an unwanted record. Should they lose at St. James’ Park, it would mark the first time in the club’s 127-season history across Football League and Premier League competition that they have opened a league campaign with four consecutive losses. Lack of firepower and defensive lapses have undermined their performances so far, and their dismal away record at Newcastle only compounds the challenge. Across 43 away top-flight meetings with Newcastle, Wolves have managed only two clean sheets, dating as far back as 1899 and 1974. Wanderers have won just once in their last 22 top-flight visits to Tyneside (D7 L14), a 2-1 victory in December 2018 under Nuno Espírito Santo. Nevertheless, all hands will be on deck when Vítor Pereira deploys the 3—4—2—1 formation, having Marshall Munetsi in attack.