Wolves and Newcastle both come into this season as the outsiders for European places. The last game at the Molineux was a drab 0-0 draw against Fulham.
This stats pack should be a great tool for building a bet for today’s game. It has all the stats behind the two teams to help you bet on outcome, goals, shots, corners and cards.
Predicted Lineups
Wolves will lineup similar to the squad that lost 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The big change is Jimenez to return up top in place of Hwang given the team has scored just once this season.
The defence will remain unchanged, given they have conceded just 3 times in 3 games.
This game is likely to come slightly too soon for new star striker Alexander Isak, and with Callum Wilson unlikely to be risked, Chris Wood will likely start up front. How frustrating is Wilson? Finally finds his stride and he could be out for weeks again.
Team Stats
This is really shocking reading for Wolves. An xGF of 2.03 and only scored 0.33 goals per 90.
To make matters worse, a shot accuracy of 21% is really poor, but they have been making the chances. They registered 20 shots and just 3 on target against Tottenham.
Newcastle have loved a tight game this season. A win on the opening day was followed by two hard-fought draws, including a 3-3 against City.
They’ve been slightly underperforming compared to their xG, but 5 goals in 3 isn’t awful.
Nothing much to choose from in the corners and cards department between the two teams.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
If Hwang starts, he’ll be Wolves’ main source of shots but I’d leave that selection until the lineups are out. Jimenez could start, but has been out of sorts recently.
A better choice is Goncalo Guedes. He’s been registering almost 4 shots per 90, and is the biggest threat for the hosts.
Pedro Neto is also a strong attacking outlet, but again shot conversion has been poor.
For Newcastle, Callum Wilson has been firing away the shots from the front with almost 3 a game. He’ll have a point to prove too tonight to keep his spot over incoming Isak.
Allan Saint-Maximin isn’t far behind in terms of shots, but the accuracy of his finishing is significantly worse than Wilson’s.
Joe Willock is another one that should get a few shots away from outside the box, although don’t fancy many to hit the target.
Player Goals and Assists
Not much to be said here. Just the one goal and one assist for the hosts.
Daniel Podence got on the scoresheet in the opening game, but I’m not sure he’ll even start today.
Newcastle have scored 5 goals this season, with 4 different goalscorers.
Callum Wilson has grabbed 2, with Saint-Maximin creating 2.
Trippier will also be a threat if there are any free-kicks – maybe worth an in-play punt if Wolves start racking up the fouls in the attacking third.
Wolves Cards
Wolves have registered a fairly disciplined 4 cards in 3 games, thanks to their lacklustre games so far.
Ait Nouri is the one to look out for in terms of cards, given he makes over 2 fouls per game. He’ll be up against Almiron who has something of a reputation for diving.
Bruno Guimaraes is the most fouled player for the Magpies, closely followed by Allan Saint-Maximin.
I’d expect the latter to draw the most fouls today given the number of dribbles he attempts. A battle between Saint-Maximin against Jonny and Collins should be interesting.
Match-Ups to Watch
Ait Nouri vs Almiron
Collins vs Saint-Maximin
Neves vs Guimaraes
Newcastle Cards
The Magpies haven’t been scared to get in the referee’s bad books, with 7 cards so far this season.
Joelinton tops the charts, and you can see why – averaging 2.67 fouls per 90. Last season he racked up 8 bookings.
That was closely followed by Saint-Maximin who got 6 yellows last season – he’s had one this season but averages less than a foul a game.
Guedes’ stats have been slightly skewed by the fact he’s only started 1 game this season and played 113 minutes. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t attempt dribbles and draw fouls, and given he’s likely to start today, Burn and Botman will need to watch out.
On the left, Jonny and Neto are tough to handle, and that’s the job of Trippier and Schar.
Match-Ups to Watch
Burn vs Guedes
Schar vs Neto
Joelinton vs Neves
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That’s it for this one, hope it’s useful for your bet builders. Given Wolves aren’t the most exciting team to watch, I’m predicting a 1-1 draw.
Remember to stick to budget this weekend, and keep the stakes low.
