Newcastle United’s Trophy Drought and the Chance for Silverware
Aside from sporadic Championship triumphs following unexpected relegations, Newcastle United has endured a prolonged period without major silverware. However, the upcoming EFL Cup final against Arne Slot’s high-flying Liverpool provides the Magpies with a golden opportunity to alter this narrative. A shock victory at Wembley would be a defining moment for Eddie Howe’s side, potentially bringing an end to their trophy drought.
Before they can fully focus on that momentous clash in the capital, Newcastle must first navigate a tricky Premier League fixture against West Ham United on Monday. With the final looming, Howe could be tempted to rest star striker Alexander Isak, ensuring he is in peak condition for the Liverpool showdown, especially given his recent injury concerns.
Why Newcastle Should Consider Resting Alexander Isak
Following Newcastle’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion, concerns arose regarding Isak’s fitness. Having only recently returned from an injury sustained against Liverpool in the league, the Swedish forward appeared fatigued by the end of the Brighton match.
Despite this, Howe remains optimistic about Isak’s condition, stating:
“He’s fine. He came off (on Sunday) feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he’s trained every day this week.”
While Howe’s reassurances suggest Isak could start against West Ham, there is a strong argument for a cautious approach. Given that Newcastle’s hopes of upsetting Liverpool in the final could hinge on Isak’s attacking prowess, managing his workload becomes essential.
The striker’s ability to step up in big games was evident in the semi-final, where his crucial goal helped Newcastle secure their place at Wembley. With 22 goals across all competitions this season and three past strikes against Liverpool while wearing black and white, Isak is undoubtedly a key player in the Magpies’ quest for silverware.
Rather than risking aggravating his condition, it might be wiser to limit his involvement against West Ham, potentially deploying him as an impact substitute if necessary. This would keep him fresh and firing for what promises to be a grueling encounter against Liverpool.
Who Can Step Up in Isak’s Absence?
One of Newcastle’s ongoing challenges has been a lack of reliable alternatives to lead the line when Isak is unavailable. Callum Wilson, the club’s most experienced striker, has struggled with recurring injury issues and inconsistent form.
Wilson led the attack in Newcastle’s recent league fixture at Anfield but endured a frustrating outing, failing to register a single shot on target against Alisson and completing just eight accurate passes. Given his struggles, relying on the 33-year-old to find his spark against West Ham might be a gamble Howe is unwilling to take.
Instead, the Newcastle boss could turn to an emerging talent in 21-year-old William Osula. While Osula has only netted once this season, he has provided two assists, showcasing glimpses of his potential. Though his contributions have come against lower-league opposition, the clash with West Ham could serve as the perfect opportunity for the young Dane to gain valuable Premier League experience.
Osula has even drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland—albeit in a more budget-friendly version—thanks to his physical attributes and playing style. Former Derby County teammate Curtis Davies once described him as a “poor man’s Haaland,” acknowledging his ability to trouble defenders with his presence and movement.
With Wilson misfiring and Isak’s fitness being carefully managed, Howe could see this as the ideal moment to give Osula a chance to shine. If the youngster can rise to the occasion, he may prove to be a valuable asset not just for the West Ham match but also as a wildcard option in the upcoming final.
A Strategic Approach for Newcastle
As Newcastle juggles their Premier League commitments with the looming EFL Cup final, Howe faces crucial selection dilemmas. Resting Isak against West Ham may seem like a conservative move, but it could prove to be a calculated decision that maximizes their chances of success at Wembley.
By entrusting Osula with a rare starting opportunity, Newcastle could unearth another promising attacking option while keeping their star striker in top condition for the biggest game of the season. With the chance to lift their first major trophy in decades on the horizon, every decision Howe makes in the coming days could be pivotal to Newcastle’s success.
Eddie Howe told to rest Isak tonight by unleashing Newcastle gem who’s another prolific version of Erling Haaland”
