English Premier
2011-10-01 - Wolves vs Newcastle United
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : English Premier League
Saturday 1 October 2011 - Kickoff 3pm
Wolves
Mick McCarthy has been disappointed with the way his Wolves side have been performing of late after they had made a really bright start to the new season. The start made by the side had the fans dreaming of a season filled with more than the aim of survival, but recent results suggest finishing in 17th will still be an achievement for the side.
Wolves are 12th in the Premier League and have compiled a 2-1-3 so far this season. However, they had based their last 2 seasons survival on a strong record at Molineaux, yet have started this season with a 1-0-2 record, scoring 2 goals and conceding 5.
They had opened the season with back to back League wins and everything looked rosy, but they have since lost 3 of 4 games although still making progress in the Carling Cup. Wolves have failed to score in their last 2 League games at home while suffering easy 0-2 and 0-3 losses to Tottenham and QPR respectively. Goals have been a problem in the League and they have scored just 1 in 4 games.
Mick McCarthy's team are really struggling in defence with Richard Stearman, Jody Craddock and Ronald Zubar all doubtful, while Kevin Foley has been ruled out. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake could make his return to the squad this week although he will need to pass a late fitness test.
Newcastle United
Alan Pardew must have been feeling the pressure at St James' Park in the Summer when some of his big players from last season moved on, including Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique. However, some astute signings later, and the Magpies are flying high in the table as we reach October.
Newcastle occupy the final Champions League place at the moment, but it will be beyond the most optimistic fan to believe they are going to stay in that lofty position. They have made a strong start to the season by remaining unbeaten and picking up 12 points from their 3-3-0 record. Newcastle are 1-2-0 away from home, scoring just 2 goals and conceding 1.
They have remained unbeaten in all competitions this season and have progressed through to the 4th Round of the Carling Cup where they will face Blackburn at Ewood Park. Newcastle are unbeaten in all 5 away games they have played this season, but they have drawn 4 in a row (in 90 minutes) since beating Sunderland 0-1 in their first away game. They have won just 1 of their last 8 away games in the Premier League.
Mike Williamson has been ruled out until later this month, but Shola Ameobi may return to the squad. Hatem Ben Arfa will be hoping to earn a starting berth after playing the final 15 minutes against Blackburn last week.
Head to Head
These two teams have met just 4 times in League meetings during the last 8 seasons, although both games at Molineaux have ended 1-1.
Newcastle did beat Wolves 4-1 at home last season, but the other 3 League games all ended 1-1.
Prediction
This is a tough game to predict as I feel the sides are fairly evenly matched in general terms.
Newcastle have been gaining the better results of late, but could easily have lost at QPR and have not really pushed on away from home although remaining tough to beat.
Wolves have been in terrible form, with poor defending costing them dear in their last couple of home games, but the edge of having the home support may just help them avoid defeat here.
I think both teams may just be happy to earn a point from this one, with Newcastle remaining unbeaten, and Wolves feeling a little more positive after recent defeats.
History between the sides have shown tight games and I think the draw could pay off again between them.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Wolves 1-1 Newcastle United
