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:
9. RW: Jacob Murphy
Anthony Elanga or Murphy? The latter may just get the nod having stayed on Tyneside during the international break. | Getty Images
10. LW: Harvey Barnes (in for Jacob Ramsey)
Newcastle’s attack has looked rather flat in at least two of the opening three games, but that may be down to the absence of an experienced striker. | Getty Images
11. ST: Nick Woltemade (in for Will Osula)
With Yoane Wissa ruled out, the door has opened for Newcastle's new 6ft 6in German to make his debut. | Getty Images