Steve Bruce makes one change to Newcastle United's starting XI

Steve Bruce has named his starting XI for this afternoon’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Newcastle United take on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at St James’s Park (3pm kick-off) looking to climb away from the Premier League’s relegation zone. Bruce, without Fabian Schar (knee), has recalled defender Federico Fernanez to his starting XI.

Striker Andy Carroll is also missing with a groin problem, while defender Florian Lejeune and winger Matt Ritchie are not yet ready to return from their respective injuries.

Wolves were away in Slovakia for a Europa League tie against Slovan Bratislava on Thursday night.

“They’re a very good side,” said head coach Bruce. “If they are a bit fatigued then hopefully we take advantage. They were excellent, as good a Championship team as I have seen. They had four or five players who shouldn’t have been playing in the Championship a couple of years ago.”

Nuno, without injured defender Wily Boly, has made five changes to his team, which is captained by Conor Coady.

Newcastle, with eight points from nine games, are 17th in the table, while Wolves are three points better off in 13th place. Wolves beat United 4-0 in a Premier League Asia Trophy fixture in China in July.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Lascelles, Clark, Willems; Almiron, M Longstaff, S Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton. Subs: Darlow, Krafth, Dummett, Shelvey, Atsu, Gayle, Muto.

WOVERHAMPTON WANDERERS: Patricio, Doherty, Dendoncker, Coady, Saiss, Jonny, Moutinho, Neves, Adama, Jiminez, Jota. Subs: Ruddy, Vallejo, Neto, Cutrone, Vinagre, Kilman, Ashley-Seal.