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Newcastle United vs. Wolves lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest as Wissa, Woltemade begin new era

St James' Park will host Newcastle United against Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 13 in a match that carries weight for both sides after difficult starts to the season.

Newcastle supporters return with mixed feelings after a summer that ended with the departure of Alexander Isak, who scored 23 league goals last season before completing a British-record move to Liverpool on September 1.

Eddie Howe's team have collected only two points from their opening three matches, drawing with Aston Villa and Leeds United and narrowly losing to Liverpool. The lack of cutting edge has underlined how much Isak's exit has altered the balance of their attack.

To address the issue, Newcastle acted late in the transfer window by signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford, two forwards who now carry the responsibility of producing goals in front of an expectant home crowd.

Wolves arrive on Tyneside without a point after three defeats, conceding eight goals in the process and struggling to find defensive stability, although their spirited performance in a 3-2 loss to Everton showed they still possess the ability to trouble opponents when given space.

The Midlands club added striker Tolu Arokodare from Genk on deadline day to support Jorgen Strand Larsen, a move aimed at diversifying their attacking options and easing the pressure on a side still searching for its first win.

MORE: Eddie Howe gives honest reaction after Newcastle sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford

Newcastle United vs. Wolves lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injury latest

Newcastle will be without Anthony Gordon who begins a three-match suspension following his red card against Liverpool in Gameweek 2.

Joelinton missed the last outing due to a groin problem but there is optimism he could return after the international break, although his fitness will be confirmed closer to kickoff. Jacob Ramsey, who suffered an ankle knock in the draw with Leeds, will undergo a late assessment.

Wissa, who was signed from the Bees on the deadline day, is expected to start after impressing for DR Congo with two goals and an assist during the break, while Woltemade is likely to feature from the bench.

Howe is likely to abandon the back five he trialled against Leeds, reverting to a more familiar back four with Lewis Hall expected to reclaim his spot at left-back.

In Gordon's absence, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga should flank Wissa in attack.

Newcastle United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Pope (GK) — Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall — Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey — Elanga, Wissa, Barnes

Injured: Joelinton (groin, doubt), Ramsey (ankle, doubt)
Suspended: Gordon

Wolves have concerns over Strand Larsen after he returned early from Norway duty with a minor Achilles issue. He's a 50/50 for this game, with Hwang Hee-chan likely to lead the line again after scoring in the 3-2 loss to Everton.

Leon Chiwome is not expected to return before the end of October, while Ki-Jana Hoever is being assessed after a knee problem.

Hugo Bueno, who started at left wing-back in Gameweek 3, picked up a minor knock and will have a late fitness test, but David Moller Wolfe is expected to start after coming off the bench to assist against Everton.

Toti Gomes should start alongside Emmanuel Agbadou and Hugo Bueno. In midfield, the battle between Andre and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde continues.

Wolves predicted starting XI (3-4-3, right to left): Sa (GK) — Bueno, Agbadou, Gomes —Tchatchoua, Andre, Gomes, Moller Wolfe — Munetsi, Hwang, Arias

Injured: Chiwome (knee), Ki-Jana Hoever (knee, doubt), Strand Larsen (Achilles, doubt), Bueno (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None