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If fit, Callum Wilson MUST play

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Sunday saw the welcome return to Allan Saint-Maximin to the match day squad but the game came too soon for United’s most lethal striker Callum Wilson.

There had been reports that the striker was looking likely to be available for the previous match but unfortunately they turned out to be wide of the mark.

Wilson may well have been frustrated that he missed out on playing against Spurs as it was one of few games where Newcastle have actually been able to create plenty of chances and the forward would have surely fancied his chances of improving on his tally.

The England international’s Premier League record this season speaks for itself. In a side that has really struggled for goals and to even attack the opposition on a regular basis Wilson boasts an unbelievable 15 goal contributions in 21 games played.

We have only managed a pathetic 30 goals in the league this season which means that despite missing nine games through injury, he has still scored or assisted exactly half of the goals we have managed this term.

This not only shows how important Wilson is to our chances but also just how shockingly bad we can be without the 29-year old in the side.

So surely it’s a no brainer that he will feature if available? Bruce has a tendency to reward players that gave good accounts of themselves last time out rather than thinking about horses for courses.

It would not surprise me if the performances of Joelinton and Dwight Gayle were rewarded rather than to start the former Bournemouth man, this absolutely can not happen.

Joelinton especially looked sharp in the game against Spurs but still missed chances that you feel Wilson would have buried and helped his side win the game.

Similarly, Gayle also missed opportunities to net where Wilson may have fared better. He is our most clinical player as well as being one of the best technically.

His wide range of abilities should also offer Newcastle a fluidity in their tactical approach that we seldom get to see. Of course, he is capable of playing as a striker through the middle whether that be by himself or with a partner but he is also very good when utilised a bit wider. Bruce labelled the role a ‘split striker’ and with Wilson in the side it really works. He has the capabilities to get at both the centre half and the full backs and just be an all round nuisance for the opposing back four.

We all hope Wilson is back to be involved against Burnley and we should also all be hopeful that Bruce will decide to start him from the off in what is undoubtedly a must win.

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