"We need points" - Howe ahead of Wolves clash

The Magpies host Julen Lopetegui's side on Tyneside this weekend bidding to return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats across all competitions against Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City respectively.

Newcastle have recorded one win in their last seven Premier League encounters against Wolves, five of which have ending in 1-1 draws, but Howe is keen to return to previous league form which saw the Magpies undergo an unbeaten streak of 17 English top-flight matches earlier this season.

Here are the main talking points from Friday morning's pre-match media briefing at United's Benton training base:

On the fitness updates of Fabian Schär, who missed last weekend's trip to Manchester City after suffering concussion in the Carabao Cup final, and Bruno Guimarães: 

"He's (Fabian) trained well this week and we're pleased to see him back. We've got a couple of knocks from the Manchester City game but, we hope, nothing too serious.

"I think Bruno's fine. I don't think he's missed any training from that ankle. I think it was sore initially against Manchester United but he was back training with no problem. Touch wood, I don't see a long-term problem with it."

On the Magpies' recent form, who are winless in their last five Premier League fixtures:

"Through every season, there are difficult moments and there are patches where you, for some reason, don't win the games maybe you should. That's the time, I believe, that you have to be really strong, mentally, and know it will change.

"I think this has been slightly different to previous experiences I've had, with cup games in the middle of two tough league games, but general performances have been very strong.

"You have to look at the dynamic of the team and how they're performing knowing the results will follow that pattern."

On the upcoming two Premier League fixtures before the international break, with United set to travel to Nottingham Forest next week:

"They are two big games because of where they're situated. We want to go into that break in a really good moment. We're also running out of games and they will go so quickly. With 14 games left, that's going to disappear. We need points.

"We're determined to try and end this run of games we've had in a confident way."

On club captain Jamaal Lascelles, who made his first Premier League start since August during last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City, and the role he could play this term:

"Jamaal has benefited from his training. He's trained really well at a very high level. You don't come in and perform like he did in that type of game unless you're absolutely focussed on your training day-to-day.

"He's led by example on the training ground. I had no doubt he'd come in and do well because of what I've seen and he performed to a really high level. I was pleased for him because he deserved that moment. He's also looked to improve, as he's not played regularly, every aspect of his game so I think he's in a good place.

"The added responsibility on Jamaal, as captain, to set the example day-to-day is even more powerful for him if he can deliver that while not in the team because that sets a standard that no-one else can sulk or have a bad day because you have your captain who has been in that moment for the majority of the season but has acted in the best way."

On facing Wolves, who claimed a 1-1 draw against the Magpies in the reverse fixture at Molineux back in August:

"The manager's had a really big impact on their team. They've got some very good players and I felt they did in the first game against them. It was a tight game and I thought we were okay in it.

"Maxi (Allan Saint-Maximin) scored a spectacular goal late on and we hit the bar just afterwards so it could've been one that we'd won. 

"They have a very technical midfield, with some good front players, and the manager has came in and given them confidence. Now, they look like they're back to the Wolves of previous seasons."