Three potential striker solutions Eddie Howe must consider ahead of Leeds vs Newcastle clash
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Charlie Grace
Tue 26 August 2025 13:59, UK
Eddie Howe is facing a selection crisis as he prepares his side to travel to Leeds United without a recognised striker.
Howe has been left in the lurch due to Anthony Gordon’s red card and the ongoing saga linking Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
In Isak’s stead, Gordon has been filling in as a centre-forward, a role that isn’t best suited to the 24-year-old, who operates better out wide.
However, due to Gordon’s red card in their match against Liverpool on Monday night the England international is due to miss three games for Newcastle, leaving Howe with a selection conundrum.
Anthony Gordon (Credit Imago)
The first option for Howe is to remain with his 4-3-3 shape that the Englishman has deployed to Newcastle’s benefit in large parts of his reign at St.
James’ Park.
This option would see Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga keep their preferred wide positions and young William Osula fill in as a striker for Howe, similarly to how Gordon has done.
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The young Dane has played 16 games since joining the club in 2024 all from the bench, but as an attacking shortage looms, he may be in for his first start soon.
(Credit: Imago)
The outcome of this option would be similar to the outcome of a decision to play Osula as a number nine.
Playing Barnes or Elanga as a nine would limited each respective player’s strengths of running the channels with their pace across long stretches.
This would allowed Elanga and Barnes to run the channel while also possibly solving Howe’s selection crisis in midfield after both Joelinton and Sandro Tonali left the game against Liverpool with injuries.
NameInjurySandro TonaliShoulderFabian ScharHeadJoelintonGroin/hipJoe WillockCalfAnthony GordonSuspendedEddie Howe’s out of action list is mounting
Howe’s final option, and one that the Newcastle hierarchy have been trying to push for throughout the summer, makes the most sense long term.