Newcastle v Wolves: match preview

Late last week a giant banner was draped across an entrance to St James’ Park. In a clear message to Mike Ashley, it demanded that Newcastle’s owner “stop gambling with our club”. It follows the earlier warning – also via a banner outside the stadium – declaring: “Act late seal your fate.” No one need read very far between the lines to realise these are demands that Ashley sack Steve Bruce. After a run of 12 defeats in 16 games, Newcastle’s manager is under intense pressure and could do with victory against Wolves as his side embark on a potentially season-defining run of games also involving fixtures against West Brom, Aston Villa and Brighton. Louise Taylor

Saturday 8pm Sky Sports Premier League

Venue St James’ Park

Last season Newcastle 1 Wolves 1

Referee Mike Dean

This season G16 Y57 R7 4 cards/season

Odds H 3-1 A 5-2 D 9-4

NEWCASTLE

Subs from Darlow, Krafth, Fraser, Dummett, Ritchie, Joelinton, S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Carroll, Hendrick

Doubtful None

Injured Fernández (calf, Mar), Manquillo (ankle, Mar), Wilson (hamstring, Apr), Schär (knee, Apr)

Suspended None

Discipline Y46 R2

Form LWLWLL

Leading scorer Wilson 10

WOLVES

Subs from Ruddy, Hoever, Aït-Nouri, Marçal, Kilman, Vitinha, Silva, Gibbs-White, Otasowie

Doubtful Marçal (match fitness)

Injured Podence (groin, Mar), Boly (hamstring, unknown), Jiménez (head, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y40 R1

Form DLWDWW

Leading scorer Neto 5