Newcastle’s Callum Wilson has vowed to score more goals than West Ham striker Michail Antonio this season.
The Magpies forward endured a tough season last time out, with injury problems ruining his second year at St James’ Park.
Wilson only made 18 league appearances, scoring eight goals. It was enough for him to be Newcastle’s top scorer, but not enough to boast bragging rights over his pal Antonio.
The Hammers’ number nine scored 10 Premier League goals, as well as providing eight assists. Antonio ended the season with two more strikes than Wilson, although he did play double the amount of games.
For that reason, Wilson believes he is guaranteed to beat Antonio this time – providing he stays fit.
‘No way’ Antonio will score more than Wilson
The Premier League duo are back for another series of the Footballer’s Football Podcast, and have discussed who will score more goals this season.
Unsurprisingly, the confident Wilson believes it will be him by a long way.
“If anything I will double any bet that you want for the following podcast,” he said.
“Anything! Honestly, if I have a full season and you have a full season there is no way that you end up on goals anywhere near me.
“That’s the thing if we’re brutally honest, come on! I’m sure the fans would agree.
“On fantasy I see we are £7.5million each, if anything you are overpriced and I’m a bargain!”
Wilson isn’t short of confidence going into the new season
Fair play to Wilson for backing his ability. He appears to be under no illusions that he will score more goals than Antonio.
When you compare the pair’s numbers last season, it’s easy to understand why Wilson is so confident. He scored only two goals less than the £7million Hammer, despite playing 18 fewer games.
If he can stay fit, Newcastle’s number nine should easily come out on top. However, his past injury woes mean that can’t be guaranteed.
The 30-year-old has been with the Magpies for two full seasons now, but is yet to play more than 30 games in a single season. That needs to change, for his sake and the club’s.
We are incredibly reliant on Wilson for goals. That’s why the Toon owners are currently looking to sign another forward as competition.
That’s proving difficult, meaning there is pressure on Wilson to deliver and, most importantly, stay fit. If he does that, he will outscore Antonio.