By Conor Hogan
**West Ham face Newcastle at the London Stadium this afternoon, and Callum Wilson simply must start for the Hammers.**
The 33-year-old, who was signed on a free from the Magpies in the summer, has fallen out of favour under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo. The striker was an unused substitute in games against Everton, Arsenal, and Brentford, and only came on against Leeds due to an early injury to Ollie Scarles.
Wilson has often been snubbed by Nuno in favour of young striker Callum Marshall. While it has been encouraging to see the 20-year-old given a chance, there have been times where Wilson would’ve been the more effective choice.
Nuno has also started Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá up front in his last two games – a decision that has not been popular with Hammers fans.
Premier League veteran Wilson has been restricted to just one start this season, and Nuno’s reluctance to use him has hurt the team in key moments.
Although he has lacked sharpness at times, Wilson’s strength, experience, movement, and finishing ability could help the Irons become more potent in the final third.
Additionally, the Hammers face Wilson’s former side when Newcastle come to East London this afternoon – all the motivation the 33-year-old needs to put in an impressive performance.
Wilson spent half a decade at St. James’ Park; he knows Nick Pope, Dan Burn, and Fabian Schär inside out – and exactly where their weaknesses lie.
If Wilson isn’t given an opportunity against the Magpies, and Nuno decides to play Lucas Paquetá as a makeshift striker again, the Irons faithful may begin to lose patience with the Portuguese gaffer.
West Ham need an out-and-out centre-forward who can win them games. While the injury-prone Wilson is still fit, refusing to use him would be a bone-headed decision by Nuno.