Newcastle United are braced for a gruelling January, as Eddie Howe debates changes to his starting XI against Crystal Palace.
There will be a desire to keep things fresh after Newcastle United’s win over Burnley, as Eddie Howe gets set for nine games across four different competitions this month.
The Newcastle United manager expects it to be a season-defining period, starting against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Magpies are boosted by Lewis Hall being fit, while there is further good news with Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier close to a return.
That will soon afford Howe the luxury of rotation, but one position he must not change on Sunday is striker.
If you could make one demand of Eddie Howe before Newcastle United play Crystal Palace – what would it be?
I’d like to see Wissa x Woltemade finally unleashed!
Yoane Wissa must lead the line for Newcastle United against Crystal Palace
Yoane Wissa protected his 100% record against Burnley, having scored in every game he has started for Newcastle United. The 29-year-old now has a record of two in two, adding another tap-in to his collection at Turf Moor.
The £55million signing was incredibly lively against the Clarets, and could have scored more on another day. His ability to sniff out chances was clear for all to see, highlighting exactly what Newcastle were missing during his absence.
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One thing Wissa is yet to do at Newcastle United is start back-to-back games, but that needs to change this weekend. Howe must stick with his number nine, rather than rotate him with Nick Woltemade.
With Crystal Palace struggling for form, the Magpies must take advantage by starting fast. Their best chance of doing that is with a poacher on the pitch rather than a mercurial target man.
Yoane Wissa has been ‘frightening’ in Newcastle United training, and he has already shown real signs of promise on the pitch. Howe’s side look much more dangerous when he is playing, and that is why he must start against Oliver Glasner’s team.
Wissa has to start against Palace! Tell me I’m wrong!
Yoane Wissa’s record against Crystal Palace
Historically, Wissa’s record against Crystal Palace is nothing to write home about.
He faced them eight times during his Brentford career, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Wissa was on the winning side against Crystal Palace twice for the Bees, with both of those victories coming last season.
Since arriving in England, Wissa has been the most prolific against Southampton and Bournemouth. He has scored four times in six games against each side.
As for his Toon teammate Nick Woltemade, he is yet to play against Crystal Palace in his career. But Newcastle United’s most expensive signing remains the club’s top scorer, having found the net nine times in all competitions this season.
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