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:
9. RW: Harvey Barnes
Anthony Gordon moved over to the right last time out so why not try Barnes there? The former Leicester City man enjoyed a cameo down that side in the cup against Nottingham Forest and impressed. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LW: Anthony Gordon
It’s Gordon’s preferred position, and can you really argue with last season’s player of the year? It’s been a slow start to the campaign for the winger but he (hopefully) should arrive back on Tyneside beaming with confidence following his England exploits. | AFP via Getty Images
11. ST: Alexander Isak
Isak opened his account for the new season against Tottenham before scoring another three goals for Sweden in the week. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come. | AFP via Getty Images