The Premier League action returns on Saturday, 13 September 2025, as Newcastle United face Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park. Both teams are searching for a breakthrough – Newcastle still finding rhythm under Eddie Howe, and Wolves looking to climb off the bottom of the table.
Newcastle United: Looking for a Lift
Newcastle’s season hasn’t clicked into gear yet. A couple of strong performances have been overshadowed by missed chances and patchy finishing. Nick Pope remains in goal, offering reliability, but it’s the outfield where the Magpies need sharper edges.
In defence, Fabian Schär, Sven Botman, and Dan Burn anchor the back, while Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento provide width. Midfield sees the familiar control of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, tasked with setting tempo and dictating play.
Up front, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes bring pace and directness, while young forward Will Osula gets a chance to prove himself through the middle. With Anthony Gordon suspended, it’s Barnes and Elanga who must shoulder the creative spark.
Wolves: Still Searching for Stability
Wolves arrive under pressure. Three games, three losses, and defensive frailties have been costly. Their goalkeeper José Sá hasn’t been helped by an unsettled backline.
The expected defensive trio is Toti Gomes, Emanuel Agbadou, and Santiago Bueno – a partnership that needs time and understanding. In midfield, Wolves rely on workhorses like João Gomes, André, and R. Gomes to break down play and transition quickly.
Attack-wise, Hwang Hee-Chan remains their danger man, supported by Jhon Arias and Marshall Munetsi in a 3-4-3 that aims to hit Newcastle on the counter.
Image – Wolves (Official Website)
Predicted Lineups – Newcastle vs Wolves (Premier League, 13 Sept 2025)
| Newcastle United (4-3-3) | Wolves (3-4-3) |
|---|---|
| GK: N. Pope (6.90) | GK: J. Sá (6.20) |
| CB: F. Schär (7.17) | CB: T. Gomes (5.87) |
| CB: S. Botman (7.30) | CB: E. Agbadou (6.63) |
| CB: D. Burn (6.60) | CB: S. Bueno (7.00) |
| RB: K. Trippier (6.60) | RWB: R. Gomes (6.85) |
| LB: T. Livramento (6.87) | CM: André (6.67) |
| CM: B. Guimarães (7.03) | CM: J. Gomes (6.77) |
| CM: S. Tonali (6.67) | LWB: D. McWolfe (6.63) |
| LW: A. Elanga (6.63) | LW: J. Arias (6.77) |
| ST: W. Osula (6.90) | ST: H. Hwang (6.73) |
| RW: H. Barnes (6.93) | RW: M. Munetsi (6.60) |
Key Battles
Bruno Guimarães vs João Gomes – Brazilian midfield duel with high intensity. Whoever dominates the middle controls the game.
Elanga & Barnes vs Wolves’ wing-backs – Newcastle will rely on direct wingers to stretch Wolves’ shaky defence.
Hwang Hee-Chan – Wolves’ most reliable scorer. If Newcastle leave gaps, he’ll punish them.
Newcastle have better balance, squad depth, and home advantage.
Wolves’ defensive numbers look poor, and they’ve yet to show a settled structure.
Prediction: Newcastle United 2 – 0 Wolves
Newcastle finally to register their first win of the season, with Barnes and Guimarães likely to shine. Wolves will fight, but defensive lapses may once again cost them dearly.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just Matchday 4 – it feels like a statement game. Newcastle need to prove they’re still top-six contenders, while Wolves simply need survival points. St James’ Park will expect nothing less than three points, and with quality all over the pitch, the Magpies should deliver.
By
