When the Premier League teams broke up for the World Cup in November, it was Wolverhampton Wanderers who propped up the top-flight table with just 10 points to their name.
That day former Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui was introduced to the Molineux faithful before taking his seat in the stands on a watching brief as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners. Since then Lopetegui has chalked up a 40 per cent win ratio and beaten the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in the Prem.
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In short, the big takeaway for Newcastle this weekend is that it will be far from easy against a dangerous Wolves team that have improved in every department since they sacked Bruno Lage. That said they have still lost games recently too, beaten 2-0 by Liverpool at Anfield and then more surprisingly by Bournemouth at home.
This should give Newcastle confidence but could also lead them into a false sense of security if they take them too lightly - as Spurs found out to their cost last weekend.
Lee Ryder's prediction
I think Newcastle should have the edge over Wolves but they will need to sharpen up in front of goal. Alexander Isak should be a strong contender to start this game, but despite Callum Wilson's lack of form, and an awful miss at Man City, it will still be a gamble dropping the number 9.
Wilson has shown before that he can produce those ice cold finishes regardless of whether he is in the middle of a hot streak or not. OK, the Etihad Stadium wasn't the ideal example of that but his experience in a gritty and evenly balance encounter like this can't be underestimated and Eddie Howe will know that better than most.
I think it could be tight in places but I expect Newcastle to end their poor run with three points here and get the season back on track.
Andy Madley (West Yorkshire)
Last in charge of a Newcastle game during the 0-0 draw at Arsenal.
Betting
Newcastle are the big favourites here at 13/20 with Bet 365, Wolves are 9/2 and the draw is 11/4.
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