HOWE WARY OF PLAYING TOON UP TOP
Magpies boss Eddie isn’t keen on using Isak and Wilson as a strike partnership
CRYSTAL PALACE v NEWCASTLE Selhurst Park: 5.30pm
IAN MURTAGH
RECORD signing Alexander Isak is averaging a goal every 106 minutes in his short Newcastle career so far.
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But Toon chief Eddie Howe remains reluctant to field him alongside Callum Wilson despite the pair’s potential to wreak havoc on Premier League defences.
While Howe will not rule out the possibility of them playing in tandem at some stage, it is likely to be either Wilson or Isak against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this evening.
Isak has only started four league and cup games for the Magpies, a thigh injury sidelining him for four months.
But in that time, his manager has seen evidence that in the Swede, he could have a real predator on his hands.
Isak scored his third goal in a black and white shirt with a lastminute winner on Sunday against Fulham (right) – a goal which bore all the hallmarks of a natural poacher.
“I just loved that goal because it was that of a goalscorer,” said Howe. “He was on the move in the box, didn’t stand still, followed the flight of the ball and Callum picked him out really well.
“It was great to see our two strikers combining.”
That, however, does not equate to the Newcastle head coach going with a twin strikeforce against Palace.
He added: “I’ve played 4-4-2 a lot in the past but I have to be very careful I do not disrupt the balance of the team.
“It’s been really successful and I would not want to do something which went totally away from our formula.
“That’s not to say it’s not a possibility in the future because there is no guarantee results continue to be good.
“I believe Alex is a goalscorer and a goal creator and he had a huge impact coming off the bench last week, changing the dynamic of our play and bringing real speed, athleticism and technical ability to our frontline.”
Isak’s return to fitness was behind Newcastle’s decision to offload Chris Wood to Nottingham Forest.
Howe admits he had some reservations about the deal and knows that unless the club bring in another forward this month, the season could flatline if anything should happen to either Wilson or Isak.
“Certainly from my side, there was no plan of letting him go and not replacing him,” said Howe.
“That would leave us dangerously short.
“But with just 11 days left in the window, there are no guarantees.”
Shedding light on Wood’s shock exit, he said: “It was a difficult decision because you have to take into account the player and his wishes.
“But it’s also a very good deal financially for this football club.
“Chris has been a huge player for us – we can’t underestimate the role he’s played on and off the pitch.
“From his perspective, he now has the security of an extra year on his contract.”
Bruno Guimaraes will be absent today but Howe does not expect the Brazilian’s ankle injury to keep him out for long.