Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised how good a season Wolves are having under Bruno Lage. Having proved himself as a coach in Portugal he got a long hard look at English football during stints as assistant boss at Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday under Carlos Carvalhal.
He then headed to Benfica where he won the title in Portugal before getting a crack as a number one with Wolves in the Premier League. Lage's first season at Molineux has been impressive with Wolves, who finished in the bottom half last term, now vying for a European place.
Wolves have actually picked up more points away from home (26) than they have at Molineux (23) so this will be far from easy. Notable road trip victories include Man United, Tottenham and Aston Villa.
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Lee Ryder's prediction
Eddie Howe said it himself not too long ago: "If you can't win, don't lose". And that has to be a logical way of looking at the clash with Wolves this Friday night. Defeat would prolong the agony in terms of sealing top-flight safety and make for a nervous afternoon next weekend watching results come in ahead of Sunday's clash with Leicester.
A draw on the other hand would be another small stride to survival. And while I hope Newcastle prove me wrong and win it at St James' Park I think they will be set up in more sturdy manner than at Spurs and won't go chasing the game as much.
Lage has drifted between a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation this season so take your pick ahead of the big game. Either way it could be a tough evening. I can see it ending all square and that would be a decent result given how strong Wolves are. Does anyone else take the point if offered it beforehand?
Referee
Peter Bankes (Merseyside)
Bankes was at the centre of dive-gate in the away clash at Leicester. That day James Maddison made a meal over a Jamaal Lascelles challenge and earned a penalty which set Leicester on their way to a 4-0 win.
Betting
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- Newcastle - 5/4
- Draw - 21/10
- Wolves - 12/5
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