Jaissle has some big decisions to make ahead of Saturday's clash against Aston Villa
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle(Image: Getty Images)
Matthias Jaissle has been urged to turn to Will Osula in Newcastle United's bid to find a number nine who can score goals regularly this season.
New signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo has started the last three matches up front after his £51million summer move from Lille but the Belgium international has struggled to make an impact so far.
The 21-year-old missed two gilt-edged chances in Monday's 4-1 defeat at Coventry City in a match which also saw Osula return from injury for the first time since the opening day draw with Liverpool.
The Denmark international had a strong pre-season off the back of scoring five goals in the final seven matches of last term with club insiders suggesting his data was 'off the charts' and 'clubs were ringing off the hook' to understand his transfer situation this summer.
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But injury has prevented him from building on that positive momentum so far this season but his return at the CBS Arena has prompted former Newcastle captain Michael Owen to suggest he is recalled to the starting XI in Saturday's home clash against Aston Villa.
"Osula staked his claim at the end of last season and scored some important goals and he didn’t really get much of a chance in the early days with other players doing so well," Owen replied while speaking with Chronicle Live as ambassador of Casino.org where UK players can find reliable online casino information, when asked who should be the club's starting number nine.
TNT Sports pundit Michael Owen.
TNT Sports pundit Michael Owen.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
"But then a couple of players leave, the likes of Wissa joined and then toyed with Woltemade as well, played him as a nine and then dropped him further back.
"Listen, the number nine, the striker at Newcastle is a big position. It is a unique position and they love their number nines up there so there is a lot pressure on that position.
"But they have spent a fair few quid on attacking positions over the last few years and they do look like scoring goals when they play so I would be reasonably positive."
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