Match Overview

Wolverhampton Wanderers host Newcastle United at Molineux in a Premier League meeting with contrasting trajectories. Wolves have struggled across the campaign but have found more fluency at home, where recent goals suggest improvement. Newcastle arrive with momentum after a productive run and a high-scoring win that underlined their attacking threat. Both sides will see this as a chance to shape the next phase of their season.

• Fixture: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Newcastle United
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Molineux Stadium
• Date: 18-01-2026
• Kickoff: 14:00 GMT / 14:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• S. Johnstone
• L. Krejci
• Hugo Bueno
• E. Agbadou
• S. Bueno
• João Gomes
• André
• Y. Mosquera
• Fer López
• J. Strand Larsen
• J. Tchatchoua

Newcastle United

• N. Pope
• M. Thiaw
• L. Hall
• S. Botman
• K. Trippier
• Bruno Guimarães
• S. Tonali
• Joelinton
• L. Miley
• N. Woltemade
• H. Barnes

Injury & Suspension Report

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Toti – Hamstring Injury
• J. Bellegarde – Hamstring Injury
• Leon Chiwome – Knee Injury
• Leon Chiwome – Lacking Match Fitness

Newcastle United

• W. Osula – Ankle Injury
• D. Burn – Chest Injury
• F. Schär – Injury
• E. Krafth – Knee Injury
• J. Murphy – Muscle Injury
• V. Livramento – Muscle Injury

Head-to-Head

These teams are historically well matched. Across 84 meetings, Newcastle have a slight edge with 34 wins compared to 28 for Wolves, with the rest drawn. Recent contests have tended to be competitive and measured, averaging around 2.5 goals over the last eight. Newcastle won the most recent meeting 1-0 in September 2025.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Wolves have struggled for results overall, with just one win in 21 league matches, yet their home output has been more encouraging. They have scored 10 goals in their last five at Molineux, reflecting a patient but purposeful approach that values possession and well-timed direct passes. J. Strand Larsen’s hat-trick in a 6-1 victory over Shrewsbury highlighted a focal point in attack who can exploit space when service arrives, while the midfield pairing of João Gomes and André should aim to set tempo and protect transitions.

Newcastle enter on an upswing with three wins in their last five and 11 goals in that span. The recent 4-3 win over Leeds showcased their offensive range, with H. Barnes delivering a decisive brace. With Bruno Guimarães, S. Tonali, Joelinton and L. Miley offering varied midfield profiles, and K. Trippier supplying width and delivery, Newcastle possess multiple routes to chance creation even amid a notable injury list.

Newcastle Eyes Europa League Spot as Wolves’ Molineux Roar Tests Magpies’ Premiership Ambitions

Newcastle sit sixth on 32 points from 21 matches (nine wins, five draws, seven losses) and are targeting European qualification. The key question is whether they can control phases away from home against a Wolves side that tends to build patiently and look for vertical outlets. If Newcastle manage the midfield press and early deliveries into H. Barnes and N. Woltemade, their recent scoring rhythm can carry into Molineux.

Set pieces and transition moments could be decisive. Wolves’ discipline and home familiarity suggest they can create periods of pressure, but Newcastle’s current cutting edge and the form of Barnes tilt the balance. The head-to-head trend of tight scorelines also points to a close contest. Prediction: Newcastle United to win 2-1.