Newcastle United are against Arsenal in their first game of 2023 tonight, with Callum Wilson reportedly set to start up front for the Magpies.
That is according to the Northern Echo, who believe that the 30-year-old is going to return to the starting XI for the game at the Emirates.
Newcastle have picked up four more points since the return of the Premier League, and they have predominantly done it without their main man up front.
Wilson missed the 3-0 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day, with Chris Wood taking his place due to illness. The New Zealander certainly delivered, and scored Newcastle’s opening goal of the game from the spot.
Wood then retained his place in the starting lineup against Leeds, with Wilson only fit enough for the bench. He did come on late in the second half, but was unable to find the goal that alluded Eddie Howe’s side on New Year’s Eve.
Newcastle had won six Premier League games in a row prior to the 0-0 draw with Leeds. Now that run is over, as Howe prepares his side for an even tougher test up against the league leaders.
And he is plotting a change to his team for the trip to the capital.
Wilson set to start against Arsenal
The Northern Echo believe that Wilson is going to start against Arsenal tonight. That would likely be in place of Wood – unless Howe is planning an unlikely change of formation.
However, it seems all but certain that it will be a like-for-like change up top. And it is a change that will delight Toon fans.
While Wood impressed against Leicester, he wasn’t as impressive when Leeds arrived on Tyneside. In fact, he missed two golden chances to break the deadlock – chances that someone like Wilson probably would have scored.
The number nine has six goals this season, but is yet to find the net since the World Cup, where he helped England reach the quarter finals. Wilson will now hope to add to that tally, and keep pace with Newcastle’s top scorer Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan currently has nine after his goal on Boxing Day.
In truth, Wilson should have more goals this season. However, he has been hindered by injury and illness. But he has shown great strength to return, and has been hailed for having a ‘brilliant mentality‘ by his manager. It is his mentality that helped get him into England’s World Cup squad, and what makes him a wonderful number nine at St James’ Park.
With Wilson reportedly set to start, that means Newcastle could be full strength against Arsenal. That is vital, as it looks set to be our most difficult game of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side are in red hot form, and look like genuine title contenders.
It is going to be a very tough game at the Emirates, but Wilson returning to the starting XI certainly boosts Newcastle’s chances.
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