It’s not often this can be said but the international break has proven to be a successful one (so far) for the Magpies.
Alexander Isak has been firing for Sweden, scoring three goals in two games, while Sandro Tonali has quickly made up for lost time with Italy having played consecutives full matches against France and Israel just three days apart.
And the signs were good for Anthony Gordon on Saturday. Following his Euro 2024 disappointment, his former England under-21s boss Lee Carsley handed the winger the faith he needed by starting him in the 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Gordon alongside club teammate Tino Livramento, will be hoping in the Three Lions’ Nations League fixture against Finland at Wembley tonight.
Away from international duty, Newcastle have Fabian Schar back available after serving his three-match suspension, however a return to the starting XI is by no mean guaranteed with Emil Krafth deputising superbly in the Swiss’ absence.
Krafth or Schar is just one of the tough calls Howe has to make. Here’s the starting XI we think the Newcastle boss should name for the visit to Wolves:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Newcastle signed Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy in the summer, and also have Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie on their books. None, however, are likely to challenge Pope for the number one jersey. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier (in for Tino Livramento)
England have wasted no time in replacing the recently retired Trippier with Tino Livramento, but that could see Trippier get the nod at Wolves having remained on Tyneside during the international break. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar (in for Emil Krafth)
Emil Krafth has been very dependable during Schar’s ban, so this is no slight on him. However, Newcastle have missed Schar’s passing qualities and ability to bring the ball forward. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Own goal versus Spurs aside, the Blyth-born defender has barely put a foot wrong this season, or indeed since April when he moved back into the centre of defence from left-back. | Getty Images