Newcastle United XI vs Wolves – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·18 January 2026

Newcastle United XI vs Wolves – Predicted lineup and team news

Newcastle United travel to Molineux this afternoon while they seek to win their first three league games of a calendar year for the first time in 30 years.

Eddie Howe’s side has moved into 6th place in the table after a clinical three-game winning streak in the Premier League. While the Magpies suffered a 2-0 setback in the Carabao Cup semi-finals midweek, their league momentum remains strong. However, a growing defensive injury crisis will force Howe into several reshuffles as they face a Wolves side that hasn’t lost in the league since the turn of the year.

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Newcastle Team News

Newcastle manage a significant defensive crisis with several regular starters sidelined. Fabian Schär is the latest casualty, ruled out for three months following ankle surgery. He joins Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, and Dan Burn on a lengthy injury list. Jacob Murphy is also unavailable after sustaining a hamstring injury in the midweek cup loss to Manchester City.

Notably, William Osula is nearing a return to fitness, though this afternoon’s game is expected to come too soon for the young forward. Consequently, Howe is expected to rely on the experience of Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman to stabilise the backline. Bruno Guimarães, who leads the league in defensive line-breaking passes this term, will anchor the midfield alongside Sandro Tonali, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes provide the threat from the flanks in support of Nick Woltemade.