Howe faces Isak and Wilson dilemma ahead of Newcastle vs Liverpool

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Newcastle United take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday night, and Eddie Howe has a difficult decision to make when it comes to who plays up front.

The Toon boss started with Alexander Isak against Bournemouth last time out, but the 23-year-old struggled to have any kind of impact. He was bullied by the Cherries defenders and barely got a sniff of goal.

He will have been disappointed, as it was his first Premier League start since September.

It came about because of an injury to Callum Wilson. He missed the game against his former club with a hamstring problem, but it has been reported by the Telegraph that he will be available for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool.

That hands Howe a selection headache, made even trickier by the looming Carabao Cup final.

Isak should start over Wilson against Liverpool

While he struggled against Bournemouth, we think that Isak should get the nod to lead the line against the Reds.

He made his debut in the reverse fixture, and was massively impressive. The Sweden international scored a brilliant goal, and a narrow offside call denied him a second.

But Isak caused Liverpool real problems, and he was described as ‘special‘ by Howe after that game. The £63million man will believe he can have the same kind of impact against the Reds once again.

And while Wilson will be desperate to prove his fitness ahead of the cup final, perhaps Howe would be wise to err on the side of caution. Given the issues that the 30-year-old has had, it would make sense for Newcastle to keep him fresh for Wembley.

When the team to face Man United in the final is announced, it will almost certainly be Wilson up front. But he won’t be able to if he picks up another injury scare.

Missing the game against Bournemouth was a warning, and Howe must consider keeping his number nine on the bench when Jurgen Klopp’s team arrive on Tyneside this weekend.

It will allow Wilson to stay fresh for the cup final, whilst handing Isak another opportunity to impress in the Premier League. He has endured a tough start to life at Newcastle due to injury, and could benefit from another start.

That decision may irk Wilson, as it would give Isak the chance to play his way into the side for the cup final. But Wilson’s injury record means Newcastle need to be careful, and that means wrapping him in cotton wool until we arrive at Wembley.