Joelinton-Newcastle When Newcastle United plays Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday, they will be back in Premier League action.
With a frustrating summer behind them, the Magpies have started the campaign on strong footing, with seven points from nine available and a fifth-placed spot in the standings.
The road ahead is long and winding, and Newcastle need to build a strong run of form to restore their place among Europe’s elite. Wolves have not had the best of starts to the term but are coherent and resilient, and will present a tough test.
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Newcastle had enjoyed the time off as international action took to the forefront, with Howe working on developing his side’s cohesion and fluency.
Fabian Schar is available again after suspension in a big boost given that Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles’ long-term injuries continue.
Howe has a newfound abundance of options to pick from, and he will hope that the woes of last season are gone. One of the main questions heading into Sunday’s clash is whether Sandro Tonali will be handed a starting berth, but he definitely should.
Why Howe must unleash Sandro Tonali
Tonali has made his return to Newcastle action this season, receiving his first slice of action during the second-round Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest and coming off the bench during the emphatic win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The £55 million summer transfer from AC Milan has had a trying moment in his career after serving a ten-month suspension for violations related to betting in October 2023.
However, he adds style and technical flare to the Magpies’ centre and may be crucial in breaking through a resilient Wolves defensive block.
The Italy international, described as “incredibly gifted” by boss Roberto Mancini, is an inventive and dynamic midfielder who can switch to a more defensive mindset with ease. He may be the ideal foil for Bruno Guimaraes.
| Tonali: Nations League Performances (09/24) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | vs France (3-1 win) | vs Israel (2-1 win) |
| Minutes played | 90′ | 90′ |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Touches | 58 | 54 |
| Shots (on target) | 0 (0) | 1 (1) |
| Accurate passes | 32/46 (70%) | 37/41 (90%) |
| Key passes | 2 | 0 |
| Dribbles (completed) | 0 (0) | 1 (1) |
| Tackles | 3 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 2 |
| Ground duels (won) | 7 (5) | 5 (4) |
| Stats via Sofascore | ||
Tonali might even prove to be more effective than Joelinton in the engine room, with his precision and patience allowing him to unlock the Old Gold defence.
Joelinton is a fierce bull of a midfielder who, having struggled as a striker at St. James’ Park, was repackaged as a strong centre player.
Although the Brazilian has a lot going for him, Sofascore reports that he has only won 38% of his ground duels this season. The player is also grateful to have avoided a red card when he pulled back former Cherries keeper Neto last month.
Tonali demonstrated over the international break that he has the steeliness and interchangeability to adapt to the situation, and he must be unleashed tomorrow, helping his side toward the upper echelons of the Premier League.
