Howe’s tactical change is bad news for Chris Wood's future

Despite only joining Newcastle United in January, Chris Wood may have an uncertain future at St James’ Park. The 30-year-old was a surprise signing from Burnley but has been a regular under Eddie Howe, featuring in 15 of Newcastle’s 16 Premier League games so far.  

Wood has only scored two goals, however, and has been dropped in the Magpies’ last two outings due to Joelinton returning the attack after successful transitioning into a midfielder.

This tactical change by Howe could result in Wood spending next season on the bench, as Joelinton is proving a much better option up front than the New Zealand international – two goals in his last two games as a centre-forward.

Callum Wilson’s eventual return from injury would mean Wood has another player standing in his way of getting minutes too, so his second season in the North-East could end up being a disaster.

Matters haven’t been helped by the 30-year-old’s lack of confidence in front of goal either. Wood averages a shot on target every 207 minutes (2.3 games) in the league and is only converting those chances every 621 minutes (7 games), so it’s only natural that Newcastle look to upgrade in that position.

In other news, Noel Whelan says Pierre-Emile Hojberg would ‘complement’ Newcastle midfield