Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak's excellent form is the reason behind his start at Aston Villa this afternoon. The Magpies record signing has scored eight goals in 13 appearances this season and is one of the in-form payers in the division.
However, fellow Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is also in a rich vein of form with three goals and an assist in his last three games. It's a welcome headache for Howe, who has not had both strikers fit at the same time for the majority of the campaign.
Isak just gets the nod from Howe this afternoon at Villa Park but the Magpies head coach is excited to have options available to him.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United LIVE
Howe told BT Sport: "Very tough decisions at the moment, we’ve got two outstanding strikers. I think Alex’s run of form going back six weeks now is excellent, he scored goals, he’s created goals, and he just gets the nod today in terms of those decisions really.
"It’s healthy at the moment. They understand the situation that we haven’t really wanted to change the shape at the start of the game but we can do it in running.
"We can get them both together on the pitch at the same time. I’m excited to have that versatility and that choice because I haven’t had that all season - they’re two huge players for us.
You can follow all the action from Villa Park in our live blog here.
READ NEXT
Allan Saint-Maximin hope as Newcastle get further double injury boost before Aston Villa fixture
Everything Eddie Howe said at his press conference
Newcastle have top four ace Liverpool loved as truth about his exit and new role is revealed
Newcastle lover showed true colours while playing for Sunderland without crowd even knowing
Newcastle 'looking at' new training ground as Amanda Staveley reveals solution to £800,000 bill