Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make ahead of the game against Fulham tonight, with a number of players needing a wake-up call after the debacle against Sunderland at the weekend.
It’s a must-win game for Newcastle United in many ways, with the Magpies desperate to make amends for what happened at the Stadium of Light.
This game is also a great opportunity for Newcastle to progress in the cup and steer themselves towards another trophy.
After the derby disaster, what changes should Eddie Howe make for the Carabao Cup quarter-final? 🏆
We’ll start – get Yoane Wissa in the starting XI!!!
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Amid injuries and dreadful performances, Eddie Howe simply has to reshuffle the pack, while also ensuring the level of quality in the team doesn’t drop an inch.
With that in mind, he may finally be ready to do something that Nick Woltemade — and the Newcastle fans — have been crying out for when it comes to team selection.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa should start together
Ever since he joined the club, Woltemade has said he wants to play alongside Yoane Wissa. That strike partnership is a bit of a dream for Newcastle fans, who think the little-and-large combination can work wonders.
It will take time for that pairing to really take effect, we assume. But, there can be no better time or place to give it a go for the first time than at St. James’ Park, in a cup tie, and with fans needing something positive to cheer about.
In our predicted Newcastle line-up for Fulham, we suggested Wissa is ready to start. But why not both?
It would add a new dimension to Newcastle’s game at a time when Howe really cannot do much worse than what we saw on Sunday. And, given we are heading into the hectic festive period, it wouldn’t hurt to feel out this experiment as soon as possible.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Was this just unlucky or could Nick Woltemade have done anything differently?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
The problem is both players need a rest
The obvious problem here, though, is that both Wissa and Woltemade are not quite at peak fitness. Indeed, after the Tyne-Wear derby, it was claimed Woltemade is feeling fatigued.
Wissa is ready to start, according to Howe. But, whether he could last a full 90 minutes is another matter. With hardly any other fit attackers to lead the line, Newcastle may well find themselves needing to take off both players at some point and may have to turn to Anthony Gordon to play up front.
However, there are benefits to using this partnership when it comes to fitness. It’s already been said that Woltemade is struggling to press, which is something Wissa thrives on. Add in the fact that Wissa would be able to run in behind Woltemade and it’s clear that the big German would need to exert himself a lot less.
To me, using this partnership tonight is a win-win for Eddie Howe. It’s what the fans want, it’s what the players want, and even if it doesn’t strike gold immediately, it’s laying the foundations for what could be a very fruitful strike force for years to come.
Sign up to TalkingPoints for free to join the conversation about all things Newcastle United with Geordie Boot Boys!
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
