Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Newcastle United - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - August 31, 2022 Newcastle United's Alexander Isak
Journalist Andrew Musgrove believes Alexander Isak should start for Newcastle United on Sunday ahead of Callum Wilson.
The Lowdown: Striker decision looms for Howe
It will be one of the biggest decisions facing Howe this weekend as to who gets the nod to lead the line at Wembley for Newcastle, with neither Wilson nor Isak in the richest vein of form.
Wilson’s only goal since October came against West Ham United earlier this month, whereas Isak has just three goals to his name all season, with his most recent strike coming in Newcastle’s last win against Fulham.
Therefore, it would appear that Howe has a tough decision to make. Does he go for someone who’s started the last two games for Newcastle and cost the club £60m, or opt for his tried-and-tested striker in the form of Wilson who he’s worked with for a number of years at Bournemouth and Newcastle.
The Latest: Isak may be handed a start
Musgrove has insisted on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel that Isak could be handed a start in the cup final due to Wilson simply not looking himself as of late.
He said: “This is one chance to win a cup, so I do wonder whether the decision-making, if everyone is fit, is slightly different just because, like I say, this is one chance.
“That being said, I could see Isak starting because he looks more lively than Callum Wilson.
“Callum Wilson just hasn’t looked himself since the World Cup, I know he scored against West Ham and then he picked up that injury which was unfortunate so he missed the Bournemouth game, but Isak and Maxi seem to be on the same wavelength.
“And he just looks a bit more threatening, I think, and given that he’s got the minutes under his belt of late as well – and again, it just rolls into the fact this is just 90 minutes of football – I could see Isak playing up top; Maxi on the left is what I’d do; and then Joelinton, Bruno and Longstaff across the middle with, of course, Miggy over on the other side.”
The Verdict: Neither striker in great form
In Newcastle’s last four Carabao Cup fixtures, Wilson has been tasked with leading the line, so for him to be dropped in the final would be a huge kick in the teeth, but Howe must not leave any room for sentiment, and pick the team that can give Newcastle the best chance of winning.
It will be an incredibly tough fixture for Newcastle on Sunday, but Manchester United face Barcelona in a crunch Europa League tie, so goals could be on the cards if the Red Devils’ fitness is tested.
However, not everyone has been impressed by what they’ve seen from Isak since he joined in the summer for a club-record fee of £60m as former Toon midfielder Kieron Dyer insisted he has been ‘the one dodgy signing‘ under PIF, although his youthfulness could well see him start ahead of 30-year old Wilson, who himself has admitted that he won’t play matches if he’s not fully fit.
About the Author
