Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready for action tonight as they face high-flying Newcastle United at Molineux in the tenth match day of the Premier League, and Gary O’Neil must be thrilled to have a key player back in contention.
After a challenging summer, the Old Gold appears to have finally found their stride under O’Neil, currently riding a four-game unbeaten streak in the league.
While confidence is soaring, Wolves are in for a tough challenge as Newcastle, also in great form, arrives, having also gone unbeaten in their last four league matches.
In their previous outing, Wolves were put to the test by Bournemouth, but they managed to secure a 2-1 victory with Sasa Kalajdzic scoring the winner just two minutes from the final whistle. Matheus Cunha kicked things off with an early second-half goal. While their usual goal-scorers, Hee-Chan Hwang and Pedro Neto, didn’t find the net, they both contributed assists to maintain their impressive form.
However, Mario Lemina, a crucial element in O’Neil’s setup, was absent due to suspension following two yellow cards against Aston Villa.
Fortunately for tonight’s hosts, Mario Lemina, the Gabonese midfielder, is back and available to start against Newcastle, along with Nelson Semedo, who missed the previous match due to suspension.
In terms of injuries, Joe Hodge is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery, and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is still recovering from a calf issue.
Lemina’s return is timely for Wolves as they face a significant midfield threat from Newcastle, which the 30-year-old battler could help control.
Statistically, Mario Lemina is O’Neil’s top-performing midfielder in terms of tackles and interceptions in the Premier League. The Gabon international averages 2.5 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game this season, underscoring his importance in disrupting opponent attacks in the midfield, making his presence essential when facing Newcastle United.
On the other side, Newcastle boast some stellar talent capable of building play from midfield, particularly through Brazilian duo Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Last season, Joelinton ranked in the top 6% of midfielders in the Premier League for his average of 1.79 successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his proficiency in possession and transitioning play upfield.
Similar strengths are found in Guimaraes’ playing style, where this term he’s averaging 1.52 successful take-ons per 90, as well as showcasing an impressive level of progressive distribution through his 1.52 key passes and 6.99 progressive passes per 90, via FBref.
For all the danger that Eddie Howe’s duo can exploit, Lemina is the best-suited player to answer their questions, as highlighted in the table below.
| Mario Lemina 2023/24 Premier League | |
| Statistic | Average |
| Tackles | 2.55 |
| Interceptions | 2.17 |
| Clearances | 2.42 |
| Passes blocked | 0.38 |
| Ball recoveries | 6.63 |
| Per 90 figures via FBref | |
Once lauded as “unbelievable” by analyst and scout Umir, the 30-year-old talent’s return could pose to be crucial to Wolves’ hopes of beating Newcastle, with his presence in the midfield incomparable to any of O’Neil’s other options.
Molineux has already seen Wolves slay Manchester City this season, with the hope there that the squad can overcome this evening’s challenge as the Geordies pay a visit.
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