Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers feels like the start of the new season, apart from it isn’t.
Yep, we’re three games into the campaign but the Alexander Isak saga and sudden lack of an experienced striker have dominated the external chatter.
But heading into the game against Wolves, that noise, at least we think it is, is no more. Isak is gone, joining Liverpool for a British record £130million, and there are two new strikers in Toon, with £69m club-record signing Nick Woltemade arriving from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa joining from Brentford for £55m.
The big question is, which striker gets the nod against Wolves? Or could neither or both play? Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up for the match next Saturday:
1. GK: Nick Pope
While Newcastle’s striker woes have been the focus, Pope will be pleased with two clean sheets out of three. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento has played his best football at Newcastle at left-back, but needs to translate that over to the right with Lewis Hall back fit. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar now faces direct competition from Malick Thiaw, but his starting place is cemented for now. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Has been Newcastle’s most consistent performer for a good while now. | Getty Images