Gary O'Neil gushes over Newcastle United star as Wolves target Premier League revival

Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak has been singled out for special praise on the eve of the Magpies trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Sweden international has been a revelation since moving to St James' Park from Spanish club Real Sociedad.

Isak, who is expected to lead the line at Molineux this evening, is averaging just over a goal every other match. Wolves boss Gary O'Neil is acutely aware of the danger Isak and Newcastle will pose as they look to move out of the Premier League relegation zone after recording just one point from three matches so far.

O'Neil said: "I know Eddie [Howe] well and he's done an excellent job. They have an abundance of quality and they will be a big test. Isak is one of the best number nines in the league."

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Wolves have endured a tough start to the season, shipping in nine goals in meetings against Arsenal, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. But they have not lost at home to United since 2017, with the Magpies' last top flight victory in the Midlands coming 13 years ago.

"We approach every game if we nail the gameplan so we have an option to win," stressed O'Neil. "We know at this moment we are going to play a lot of teams who are expected to finish high up the league.

“Not many people outside of here expect us to take many points but that’s not our expectation. Our expectation is to show we have got a good side and see what we can achieve.”

Defender Rayan Ait-Nouri and midfielder Mario Lemina face late checks before Sunday after the pair picked up issues while on international duty with Algeria and Gabon respectively. Yerson Mosquera, meanwhile, sat out of training on Friday with cramp but could be available available for selection.