Eddie Howe has a selection dilemma up front, as he ponders whether to start Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak in attack against Wolves.
Wilson has led the line in Newcastle’s previous two games and has majorly struggled. In contrast, Isak has been a bright spark off the bench.
It has led to calls from fans for Howe to start the £63million record signing, who has endured a frustrating first season on Tyneside. Isak has struggled for fitness, but always looks exciting when he plays.
As for Wilson, he is clearly going through a rough patch. He has admitted it himself, while Paul Merson recently said that the 31-year-old has ‘gone off the boil‘.
All roads appear to point towards Isak replacing Wilson against Wolves, but Howe’s latest comments suggest that might not be the case.
What Eddie Howe has said about Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak
The Newcastle manager has spoke to the media ahead of the game against Wolves.
On Isak, Howe said: “Is he 100% ready to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis? Probably not. But he will get there.”
On Wilson, Howe said: “I think the fact that Callum’s taking full ownership of his performances, I think it’s a very, very good thing as well. And I’d say the same to any player and good moment, bad moments. Callum is vastly experienced top player. He has a huge part to play in our season.”
Howe’s comments suggest Wilson will keep his place in Newcastle team
With Howe admitting that Isak is not ready to play the full 90 minutes, it does not sound likely that he will start.
On top of that, it is clear that the Toon boss has full confidence in Wilson to re-find his form very soon. Then again, he was hardly going to say ‘he’s been terrible, there’s no way I’m picking him to play’…
But with Howe still pointing towards Isak’s match fitness, it would be a shock to see him start. Howe’s latest update suggests that the 23-year-old will be reserved for a substitute role, and will be used in the more decisive moments later in the game.
That is a reprieve for Wilson, who clearly knows that he needs to improve. He isn’t playing well, and has a £63million player waiting to take his place. The pressure is on the number nine, and he might get another chance to rise to it against Wolves.