Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been reluctant to change a winning team this season.
The Toon boss has played with the same team more often than not this season, even when performances were not up to scratch.
A reason for that is due to Newcastle United’s lack of strength in depth, having sold useful squad players like Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in the January transfer window. Elliot Anderson left Newcastle alongside young winger Yankuba Minteh last summer, adding to Eddie Howe’s problems with depth.
Recent games have seen Eddie Howe keep his starting XI the same with great success. The Magpies have won their last four games in all competitions, including the historic Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool in March.
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Harvey Barnes is pleased with his renewed game time in Anthony Gordon’s absence. The 27-year-old had not started for almost four months before Gordon’s suspension. Barnes has taken the renewed minutes in his stride, scoring once and bagging two assists.
With Howe reluctant to mix up his winning formula, Callum Wilson has expressed his displeasure at how little he has played this season.
Callum Wilson shares frustration at lack of minutes with Newcastle United
Newcastle striker Wilson was an integral part of the team for three seasons until Alexander Isak took the role of ‘star striker’. The Englishman has seen his minutes severely reduced over the last two seasons as a direct result of the Swede’s sensational form.
Isak made history for Newcastle by becoming the first player to score 20 goals in consecutive seasons, a feat that Alan Shearer could not even achieve during his 10 years at the club.
Wilson has been forced to watch the 25-year-old’s performances from the bench after falling out of favour with Howe. So far this season, Wilson has played 14 games, scoring just once in an FA Cup tie against Birmingham City.
It has been a frustrating season for the 33-year-old, and he made that clear in a recent interview for Newcastle’s official website.
“I have no doubt for myself, when I play I can score goals,” Wilson said.
“It’s just getting on the pitch, it’s just limited game time. Alex (Isak) has been fantastic, so it’s just hard to get back in the team.
“It’s difficult but you’ve got to take what you can.”
While Wilson has not been starting for the Magpies in the Premier League this season, he has still found himself coming off the bench to see out games and keep Isak fit.
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Callum Wilson’s future at Newcastle United
There is no hiding that Wilson is in the twilight of his career. The striker has suffered from a slew of injury problems in recent seasons, which have been a hindrance for Howe.
Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season and there has been no news on whether he is expected to sign a new deal with the Magpies. Newcastle want a striker this summer to complement Isak for their games in Europe next season. The feeling is that Wilson is not the player that they want taking them into those games if Isak is ever unavailable.
Newcastle want Liam Delap this summer in a deal potentially worth £30m. The 22-year-old has impressed for Ipswich Town this season, despite their poor form in the Premier League.
Newcastle fans called for Howe to drop Wilson for William Osula after the former had a poor showing off the bench against Brentford. The Dane has shown glimpses of promise in his limited game time this season and could be of use up front and on the wing in future.
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