Eddie Howe will have a tricky decision to make over Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson once the latter returns to full fitness at Newcastle United later this year. The Magpies are now in the fortunate position of having two top class strikers at their disposal after Isak's arrival towards the end of the summer window.
The 22-year-old netted on his debut and has plugged the gap up front following Wilson's recent hamstring injury. Isak is likely to play a key role in the starting XI until his return, with Chris Wood again having to settle for a prolonged period on the bench.
However, when Wilson returns from his latest setback, Howe will be forced to make a decision as to whether he drops one of his forwards, or changes his entire formation to accommodate both strikers.
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Much has been made of the two playing alongside each other, with Howe insistent that an Isak/Wilson partnership could be on the cards at St James' Park. "Yeah, I see them playing together,” the Newcastle boss said last week.
“I think they are very different players. That’s something I definitely envisage. Alex is very different to Callum, and vice-versa, but they both have unique strengths.”
So far Howe has been reluctant to stray too far from his 4-3-3 formation on Tyneside, despite playing 4-4-2 during his stint at Bournemouth. Newcastle have, at times, deployed five at the back when facing tougher opposition, although resisted the urge to stack their defence against Manchester City and Liverpool last month.
Should Howe not want to go with two up front, there has been talk of using Isak out wide on the flanks. The Swede is predominantly an out and out centre forward but was used as a winger by Imanol Alguacil at Real Sociedad on occasions.
Wilson's record makes him undroppable when he is fully fit. The former Bournemouth striker is a fan favourite on Tyneside due to his goal record but concerns linger about his ability to stay off the treatment table.
The Newcastle forward is facing another few weeks on the sidelines, with suggestions he may not be back up to full speed until the World Cup rolls around in November.
For now, Howe will not be too concerned about his future attacking dilemma. However, the Magpies boss and his backroom staff will certainly be drawing up plans for when his two main men are both able to line up together.
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