Newcastle United take on Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon for a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Eddie Howe has already led the club to the League Cup final, but could he and the Magpies take a giant step towards making the final of the FA Cup for the first time since 1999 today?
The midweek defeat to Liverpool will still be ringing in his ears, especially as his side delivered a poor performance at Anfield.
With Alexander Isak missing the tie due to injury, Howe was forced to unleash Callum Wilson in the starting XI for the first time in over nine months.
Callum Wilson’s struggles this season
Wilson had featured on just eight occasions for the club this season before the defeat in midweek, scoring a single goal.
He lasted 69 minutes at Anfield, failing to register a single shot on target during his spell on the pitch, while attempting zero dribbles, missed one big chance and made zero key passes.
He was isolated up front, completing only eight passes during the game while taking just 17 touches of the ball. Of course, it will take him a while to build up proper match sharpness, but this display against the champions in waiting was a poor one indeed.
With the chance to secure progress in the FA Cup this weekend, Howe could turn to the player who starred for the Magpies during the last round: William Osula.
The player who could replace WIlson at Newcastle
Osula joined the Magpies last summer from Sheffield United for a transfer fee in the region of £15m.
It was evident that Osula’s signing was one for the future, and he had scored three goals for the Blades during the 2023/24 campaign.
“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s quick, he can score both feet, and he can go past you. I’m not going to disrespect it, but he’s a bit like a poor man’s Haaland as such.” – Curtis Davies
At the time of writing, the 21-year-old has made only 15 appearances for Newcastle, but his most telling contribution came against Birmingham City in the previous round of the cup.
It was a classic cup tie between established Premier League heavyweights and lower-league opposition. While the game was won by the Toon, Birmingham gave them an almighty scare.
Osula notched two assists on the night while playing on the right flank. The youngster attempted four dribbles during the match, succeeding with three, while making three key passes, creating two big chances and winning 12 ground duels.
It was a sublime display from the former Sheffield United man, and one that should give Howe plenty of reasons to unleash him today. Upon arrival at St James’ Park, his move was praised by Scoutedftbl on X, who said:
“Newcastle spending £15 million on William Osula is a prime example of clubs valuing profile and potential more than anything: he’s not done much in senior football, but he’s big, fast, direct, and 21 years old. Coaches like that, and sporting directors love it.”
He could be the difference against the Seagulls, especially with Isak potentially missing from the starting XI again for the crucial cup match.
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