Aside from a few Championship titles earned during periods of relegation, Newcastle United hasn’t had many significant trophy wins in recent years.
However, the upcoming EFL Cup final against Liverpool offers a fantastic opportunity to change this narrative. Newcastle hopes to capitalize on a potential off-day for the Premier League leaders at Wembley.
Before this important match, Newcastle faces West Ham United in London on Monday. Manager Eddie Howe might consider resting Alexander Isak to ensure he is fresh for the Liverpool game, especially given Isak’s recent injury concerns.
Why Newcastle Needs to Rest Alexander Isak
It was reported that Isak experienced fatigue after Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, having recently recovered from an injury sustained against Liverpool.
‘He’s fine. He came off (on Sunday) feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he’s trained every day this week.’ – Eddie Howe.
While Howe appears confident that Isak can start against West Ham, it might be a risk Newcastle is unwilling to take. Their chances of winning a trophy largely depend on Isak being at his best against Liverpool.
Isak’s goal in the first leg of the semi-final helped Newcastle reach the final, and he has now scored 22 goals in all competitions.
Having also scored three goals against Liverpool for Newcastle, it seems wise for Newcastle to use Isak as a substitute against West Ham to ensure he is fully fit for Wembley.
This situation could provide an opportunity for another Newcastle striker who has impressed recently.
Howe’s Best Replacement for Isak at Newcastle
Eddie Howe’s options to replace Isak are limited, as Callum Wilson is often injured.
Wilson started in the recent league match but had a disappointing game against Liverpool, failing to register a shot on target and making only eight accurate passes.
Instead of relying on Wilson, Howe might give 21-year-old William Osula a chance against West Ham.
While both Wilson and Osula have only one goal this season, Osula has provided two assists.
| Osula’s G/A Performances This Season | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Despite these goal contributions being against lower league teams, Osula shows promise. The West Ham game could be a good opportunity for him to gain Premier League experience.
Osula has been compared to a ‘poor man’s Haaland’ by a former teammate, Curtis Davies, due to his strong performances, similar to Haaland’s impact for Manchester City.
Disappointed with Wilson’s recent performance, Howe might boldly start Osula against West Ham, keeping Isak ready as a substitute.
Vihaan Mehrotra