The Premier League weekend concludes at Molineux on Monday night when Wolverhampton Wanderers look to consolidate seventh place in the table when they host a Newcastle United side eager for points.
Newcastle are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference so each point they can pick up from here on in is going to be vital. Wolves have half an eye on European football next season so both have reasons to be strong.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
I think a lot of people expected Wolves to go well in their first season back in the Premier League but whether many expected them to be seventh heading into the final third of it I’m not so sure. The fact is they have been very good all year. They have a style that is pleasing on the eye which they have not swayed from at any point and it has served them well.
If there is a criticism of Wolves this season it might be that they haven’t looked quite as convincing against the lesser lights in the league as they have when they have taken the game to the bigger teams, but the approach they take I guess that isn’t too much of a surprise. They set up to counter attack and it is hard to counter attack sides who don’t commit to attacking themselves.
Newcastle United
The whole campaign has been a struggle for Newcastle United so far but there have been special moments mixed in between which has reminded us of the quality that they have, and the potential that is in them. You would have to say Rafael Benitez has done a wonderful job with what he has had at his disposal and if he can launch a run of form to keep them up it will be a successful campaign.
The Spaniard has recognised the shortcomings his side have in attacking areas and as such has often set them up to be hard to beat. I expect him to do likewise here but bit by bit each transfer window he has added something to his attacking options and at some point they will be able to be a more balanced side. That might not be here however.
Team News
Wolves will recall the players who sat out the replay against Shrewsbury Town last time out which means Rui Patricio, Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves among others will make a return. Diogo Jota missed that match with a knock but he is fit here.
Newcastle United could give a debut to January signing Miguel Almiron in this match. Yoshinori Muto, Karl Darlow, Ki Sung-yeung, Paul Dummett and Mo Diame are all available for Rafael Benitez too.
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Betting
I’m expecting a bit of a sticky game here because both teams like to counter attack their opponents and both rarely leave themselves exposed to be countered so unless there is a weird event early on in the game I wouldn’t be completely surprised if this turns into something of a stalemate for long periods.
While Benitez would probably want all three points, a draw isn’t the end of the world for his side. Wolves make a living out of capitalising on positional errors from opposition defences and I’m not sure they’ll find many here. I think the natural bet in this one is under 2.5 goals which even at 4/6 looks to have enough value attached to it.
Tips
WON – Back Under 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.67 with Betfred
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