Gameweek 1 changed the central question around Yoane Wissa (£6.0m).
The pre-season debate was Wissa versus William Osula versus Nick Woltemade for Newcastle's striker position.
Against Liverpool, Newcastle instead started Osula at No.9 and Wissa behind him in a 4-2-3-1. Wissa then assisted Joe Willock and was one of Newcastle's biggest attacking threats in the 2-2 draw.
The short answer
Wissa does not need to replace Osula to start.
That is good news for his minutes, although the deeper No.10/second-attacker role may slightly reduce the pure penalty-box volume expected from a centre-forward.
| Factor | GW1 evidence |
|---|---|
| Price | £6.0m |
| Starting status | Started |
| Role | No.10 / second attacker behind Osula |
| Return | Assist for Willock |
| Additional threat | Two major late chances |
| Immediate verdict | HOLD / WATCH |
Newcastle's real GW1 shape
Newcastle's confirmed 4-2-3-1 was:
Horníček; Dedić, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Miley, Steur; Elanga, Wissa, Barnes; Osula.
That is much stronger evidence than the summer striker guessing game.
Osula was the central No.9. Wissa operated behind him and connected midfield to attack.
Why Wissa's role can still work for FPL
A No.10 role is not automatically worse.
Wissa can:
- receive between the lines
- attack the box after Osula occupies centre-backs
- lead counter-attacks
- create chances for runners
- still arrive centrally for shots
His assist for Willock came after Wissa carried the break and released the substitute into space.
He also had two major opportunities later in the match, including a close-range chance and a one-on-one saved by Alisson.
The risk: he is not the sole No.9
The earlier upside case assumed Wissa might win the central striker job outright.
GW1 instead showed Osula starting there.
That may lower Wissa's ceiling if the majority of the highest-value central chances go to Osula. Managers therefore need to assess where Wissa receives his shots, not merely whether he is listed in the XI.
What about Osula?
Osula received the first competitive No.9 start and played 56 minutes.
That makes him relevant at the same £6.0m price.
The choice is now less about “who starts?” and more about:
Osula = central striker role Wissa = more creative second-attacker role
Another match will help show which produces the better FPL volume.
Fixtures give managers time
Newcastle go to Tottenham in GW2 before facing Bournemouth at home, Leeds away and Hull at home.
That means non-owners do not need to force a transfer immediately. The upcoming schedule gives another competitive sample before the attractive stretch.
OneFPL verdict
Wissa is more secure than the old striker-battle framing suggested, because Newcastle have shown they can start him with Osula.
His GW1 assist and chance involvement are positive. The only downgrade is that he is not currently the sole No.9.
Owners: HOLD. Non-owners: WATCH through GW2 and consider from the improving run if the role keeps producing chances.
Read the full Newcastle 2-2 Liverpool FPL reaction.
FAQ
Did Wissa start against Liverpool?
Yes. He started behind William Osula in Newcastle's 4-2-3-1.
Did Wissa get an attacking return?
Yes. He assisted Joe Willock's second-half goal.
Is Osula Newcastle's first-choice striker?
He received the first competitive No.9 start, but one match is not enough to call the hierarchy permanent.
Sources
OneFPL analysis. OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.
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