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:
5. LB: Lloyd Kelly
Lewis Hall and Kelly have both started two games this season, so who gets the nod? I’d argue Kelly on this occasion with Newcastle, as the away team, unlikely to find the space in which Hall loves to attack. | Getty Images
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Captain Bruno hasn’t really impacted things in the final third yet, but what he has done is dug deep and put in two excellent defensive performances against Southampton and Spurs. | Getty Images
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7. CM: Sandro Tonali (in for Sean Longstaff)
It’s hard to overlook Tonali now, isn’t it? Howe had carefully managed the midfielder’s minutes before Italy got their hands on him after playing two full matches in three games. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
Admittedly, it’s been a mixed start to the campaign for Joelinton but he has made two vital contributions with a goal and assist in wins against Southampton and Spurs. | Getty Images