Switch article view:Match preview Wolves need something special and I can't see where from - Wrighty
By Julian Shea.
Kick off Saturday 25 February 2012 at 15:00, Sports Direct Arena.
Newcastle may be going through something of an identity crisis at the moment with the battle to rename their stadium stirring up the passions, but compared to Wolves, who have just sacked manager Mick McCarthy they have nothing to worry about.
That's the view of Absolute Radio's voice of football Ian Wright, and on Saturday Absolute's Rock 'n Roll Football programme brings you live uninterrupted coverage of the game between Newcastle and Wolves.
"Wolves are in a major crisis," said Wrighty.
"I'm not sure they had a contingency plan when they got rid of Mick but they don't seem to have gone about it the right way, as so many people have turned them down.
"Maybe the hierarchy thought people would jump at the chance to take over, but it's not turned out to be that cut and dried."
After a succession of embarrassing knock-backs, caretaker manager Terry Connor has been appointed for the rest of the season, and Wright says he needs to turn things around straight away.
"They weren't playing great football before, so they need some form of reaction immediately, but I can't see how they'll get it. It'll take something drastic and I can't see it happening."
Whatever Connor's side try and do, they will at least be able to call upon midfielder Karl Henry once again, as he returns after a three-match ban for his dismissal against Aston Villa.
Defender Sebastien Bassong (hamstring) and winger Michael Kightly (back) could also be back in the side, but knee and hamstring problems keep out defenders Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock.
As for hosts Newcastle, apart from some long-term absentees they are back to near full strength, with Ryan Taylor available after a leg injury and Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote back from suspension and the African Cup of Nations respectively.
"Newcastle had a great start and have had a couple of blips, but they won't be too worried," said Wright.
"This is an absolute home banker for me. Wolves have got so many problems, and Newcastle are back to full strength, so knowing Alan Pardew, he'll want his team to come out of the blocks quickly and put the pressure on straight away.
"If they get an early goal, I can see it being a lot - maybe 3 or 4-0 to Newcastle."Listen to our football experts Russ Williams, Jim Proudfoot and Ian Wright for a look ahead to the weekend's games in Friday's edition of Ian Wright's podcast.
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