Eddie Howe is unlikely to field Alexander Isak alongside Callum Wilson in a potent two-man attack. Why is that? Because he has already told us so.
A year ago, Chris Wood was tasked with leading the line for most of Newcastle United’s surge to survival. First-choice striker Callum Wilson had suffered a torn calf, ruling him out for most of the campaign.
The New Zealand international was used as a focal point in a 4-3-3 system but concerns about a poor goalscoring return placed his starting berth under threat. Once the Toon number nine returned in May, Howe was asked directly if he would ever start the two up front.
