Newcastle vs. Wolves – Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference

Newcastle United welcome Wolves to St James’ Park on Saturday, still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.

Eddie Howe’s side have drawn both away games 0-0, against Aston Villa and Leeds United, but were beaten late on by Liverpool at home. That leaves them without a victory in three Premier League matches, and at risk of losing three straight home games for the first time since 2021.

Despite their awful offense, Newcastle’s defense has been relatively effective, notching two

clean sheets in three outings, and they have conceded fewer shots than any other team in the league.

New signing Nick Woltemade will probably make his debut, while fellow newcomer Yoane Wissa will need to wait at least a few days for his, as he returned injured from the international break.

Howe is also hoping Joelinton can return from injury, while Jacob Ramsey’s injury at Leeds will keep him out of commission for at least a few weeks. Meanwhile, NUFC won’t have Anthony Gordon, who remains suspended and sidelined.

Wolves arrive sitting at the bottom of the table and still without a point after defeats to Manchester City, Bournemouth, and Everton. They have conceded more goals than anyone else so far, and manager Vitor Pereira faces the possibility of losing the club’s first four league matches of a season for the first time in 127 years.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On Yoane Wissa…

“Unfortunately, he won’t make this game. I saw him for the first time yesterday and he’s feeling the effects of the [knee] injury sustained just before he came off [while on international duty]. We’re going to have to see how he is.

“He’s an established Premier League goalscorer which is very difficult to find. He’s got really good qualities and [had] an outstanding few years, with history of scoring goals.

“He’s done well against us and been a difficult player for us to handle when we’ve come up against him and I admire the journey he’s been on to get to this point because it’s not been easy for him. He’s had big steps to make in his career but he has always adjusted and made them. Hopefully, he can do the same with us.”

On team-news, including Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton…

“Jacob is the only other injury concern and he’ll miss the game. He’s suffered from that tackle against Leeds, his ankle swelled up at half-time and he had to come off.

“Unfortunately, I think he’ll be missing until the next international break so that’s a big blow.

“Joelinton has trained. He’s been fit and available, he’s been out on the training pitch and is looking good. Really happy to welcome him back, such an important player.”

On Nick Woltemade…

“He’s fine [for Wolves]. He’s trained well and we’re really pleased with how he’s looked in the first couple of days. Big change for him, big opportunity for him.

“He’s got a great nature, a great character. He’s very calm and he’s gone straight into our training and not looked out of place. He’s shown his qualities. We’re really pleased with how he’s settled in.”

On the appointment of David Hopkinson as CEO…

“We’ve had several conversations. He’s a great person, really great energy. He’s very, very positive. I think he’s a great appointment.

“It’s an appointment that was much needed, unfortunately with Darren’s illness which has left a big gap. David will come in and hopefully take the club off the pitch into a new direction.”

On the international break…

“It’s been a good batch of training for us. We always enjoy training with the players, albeit with some different numbers on different days which is always a good challenge to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated for the two weeks.

“I feel like those players that have stayed needed some work and we’ve got some good work into them. They’re certainly better in a physical condition.

On the playing schedule, with the Magpies set to play seven matches in the next 23 days…

“With the schedule we have coming up, we always knew how this season looked for us, with a slow start in terms of week-to-week games and then we’re going to be into a storm of games.

“That’s what we want. It’s going to be a great period for us in terms of challenges, quick turnarounds and the whole squad ready to play and that’s why the last two weeks has been good as we’ve been able to get work into the players that needed it.”

Howay!