PREM: Newcastle v Wolves preview

Newcastle v Wolves preview

Newcastle Utd boss Rafael Benitez will welcome back Matt Ritchie for Sunday's Premier League clash with Wolves.

Midfielder Ritchie sat out Wednesday night's draw at Everton through suspension and is available once again, but defender Fabian Schar picked up his fifth booking in just six league games at Goodison Park and is banned.

One defeat in six has helped save Newcastle after making a disastrous start to the season, with Benitez's side sitting pretty in 14th.

However, their home form is still of real concern. Newcastle have lost six of their eight Premier League home games this season - only once have they lost as many at this stage of a top-flight season before (six in 1953-54).

There was a danger of the game not going ahead at all, but Benitez has thanked fans for calling off a planned boycott of Sunday's match. Supporters had been calling for another protest against owner Mike Ashley at the game at St James' Park.

"I have to say thank you to the fans because my message has been very clear all this time," Benitez said. "This group of players deserve support because they work so hard until the last minute of every game so I think it's fair to them."

Wolves were on a poor run of form themselves and after conceding first against Chelsea in midweek, they looked to be heading for a sixth defeat in seven league games.

However, Wolves turned the match on its head, providing them with a huge boost ahead of their trip to the north east.

Midfielder Kenedy has returned to training after missing the trip to Merseyside with a toe problem and full-back Paul Dummett is also back after a hamstring injury, although he remains short of match fitness, while defender Florian Lejeune (knee) continues to work his way back.

Ruben Neves is available for Wolves' trip to Newcastle after suspension. The midfielder missed Wednesday's 2-1 win over Chelsea after collecting five yellow cards.

Replacement Morgan Gibbs-White impressed, meaning Romain Saiss may drop to the bench to accommodate Neves.