Howe can rest Isak tonight by unleashing Newcastle gem who’s a “poor man’s Haaland”
Newcastle United’s recent history has been marked by a lack of significant silverware, with only a few Championship titles to their name following unexpected drops to the second tier.
However, the upcoming EFL Cup final against Liverpool presents a golden opportunity for the Magpies to rewrite their narrative. Facing Arne Slot’s dominant Premier League leaders at Wembley, Newcastle hopes to capitalize on a potential off-day from the Reds to claim a memorable trophy.
But before the highly anticipated final, Eddie Howe’s side must navigate a crucial Premier League clash against West Ham United in London. This match could see key decisions made, particularly regarding the fitness of star striker Alexander Isak, whose recent injury concerns have sparked debates about his involvement.
Alexander Isak has been a revelation for Newcastle this season, but his recent struggles with fatigue and injury have raised questions about his availability for the upcoming fixtures.
After Newcastle’s FA Cup exit to Brighton and Hove Albion, it was revealed that Isak felt fatigued by the end of the match, having just returned from an injury sustained against Liverpool. Eddie Howe addressed these concerns, stating, “He’s fine. He came off feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he’s trained every day this week.” While Howe appears confident in Isak’s readiness, the risk of overexertion looms large, especially with the EFL Cup final on the horizon.
Isak’s importance to Newcastle cannot be overstated. The Swedish striker has been in scintillating form, netting 22 goals across all competitions this season. His contributions have been pivotal, including a crucial goal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final that helped secure Newcastle’s place at Wembley.
Additionally, Isak has a strong record against Liverpool, with three career goals against the Reds while wearing Newcastle’s black and white. Given his significance, it might be prudent for Howe to use Isak sparingly against West Ham, perhaps as an impact substitute, to ensure he is fully fit and firing for the final.
With Isak potentially rested, the spotlight could shift to Newcastle’s other attacking options. Callum Wilson, the experienced striker, has often been sidelined with injuries, and his recent performances have been underwhelming.
In Newcastle’s last league outing against Liverpool, Wilson failed to register a single shot on target and managed only eight accurate passes. His lack of impact has left fans and pundits questioning his ability to lead the line effectively.
As a result, Eddie Howe might consider turning to 21-year-old William Osula, a promising young talent who has shown glimpses of his potential in limited opportunities.
Osula’s performances this season, though primarily against lower-league opposition, have been encouraging. The Danish forward has contributed two assists and a goal, demonstrating his ability to influence games. Below is a breakdown of Osula’s key statistics in recent matches:
| Stat | Bromley | Birmingham City |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes played | 69 | 89 |
| Goals scored | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 2 |
| Shots | 1 | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 1/1 | 3/4 |
| Touches | 18 | 51 |
| Accurate passes | 9/11 (82%) | 14/16 (88%) |
| Key passes | 1 | 3 |
| Total duels won | 2/4 | 14/24 |
While Osula’s goal contributions have come against lower-tier teams, his performances have been marked by energy, creativity, and a willingness to take on defenders. Former Derby County teammate Curtis Davies once likened Osula to a “poor man’s Haaland,” highlighting his physicality and direct style of play.
This comparison, though flattering, underscores the potential Osula possesses. With Wilson struggling for form, Howe might see the West Ham clash as the perfect opportunity to give Osula a chance to shine in the Premier League.
The decision to rest Isak and potentially start Osula against West Ham carries risks, but it could also yield significant rewards. Ensuring Isak’s fitness for the EFL Cup final is paramount, and giving Osula valuable first-team experience could benefit Newcastle in the long run.
As the Magpies prepare for a pivotal week, the choices made by Eddie Howe could shape their season. Whether it’s a cautious approach with Isak or a bold gamble on Osula, Newcastle’s quest for silverware and Premier League success hinges on striking the right balance.
The upcoming matches against West Ham and Liverpool will test Howe’s tactical acumen and the depth of his squad, offering fans a glimpse of what the future holds for this ambitious club.