Gates are down at St James' Park and it's not entirely down to fans boycotting the club in protest against Mike Ashley.
Entertainment is in short supply. Four goals in four games, only two of those scored by Newcastle.
A relegation battle is looming and spirits are low. Victory over Manchester United brought hope but that carries less weight than it once did, and Wolves are likely to provide a much sterner test.
They've gone seven games unbeaten, including away wins at Manchester City and against Slovan Bratislava on Thursday.
Travel fatigue might be their biggest enemy - and Newcastle's chief ally.
Steve Bruce has won only one of his six Premier League fixtures against Wolves as a manager (D2, L3).