Team News
Newcastle United- Rafael Benitez will need huge reshuffling in the back line for the game against Wigan Athletic. The Spanish manager will be without three of his first-choice enforcers for the game.
Wales left-back Paul Dummett is expected to miss the game with a heel injury that he suffered on international duty. Moroccan international Achraf Lazaar is likely to replace him. Same goes with his preferred right-back, Vurnon Anita. The Dutch defender is also sidelined with an injury and is expected to return early next month. Jesus Gamez should take the right-back position.
All this is further compounded by the absence of the ever-reliable Ciaran Clark. The Irish centre-half is still recovering from his medial collateral ligament injury and Scotsman Grant Hanley will take his place alongside skipper Jamaat Lascelles.
Other crucial injuries include that of central midfielder Isaac Hayden. However, Benitez has enough arsenal in Jonjo Shelvey, Jack Colback and Mohamed Diame to take care of it.
Wigan Athletic- The absence of skipper Stephen Warnock will be the biggest miss for manager Graham Barrow. The 62-year-old has had a nightmare of a season so far and playing without a real leader in the last few games that will determine their survival in the Championship, could be too much to handle.
Apart from him, the long-term injuries remain the same. West Ham United loanee Reece Burke is out for an undetermined period with a hip injury since last year. Dan Lavercombe and Donervon Daniels are also out with finger and back injury respectively.
Predicted Line-up
Newcastle United- Darlow; Dummett, Hanley, Lascelles, Anita; Gouffran, Diame, Colback, Ritchie; Perez; Gayle
Wigan Athletic- Gilks; Kellett, Burn, Buxton, Morgan; Hanson; Obertan, Morsy, MacDonald, Jacobs; Bogle
Key Players
Newcastle United- Of course, Benitez’s biggest bet for the game will be forward Dwight Gayle. The 26-year-old has netted 21 goals and two assists so far. He started from the bench last game and the Magpies ended the game with Birmingham in a stalemate. Jonjo Shelvey is also expected to start this time and his expertise from the midfield is bound to give Newcastle an extra edge.
Wigan Athletic- Though Wigan didn’t have the desired results this season, they have some good players who could make a difference. Will Grigg is one of them; the centre-forward is the club’s highest goal scorer with five goals and three assists. New recruit Gabriel Obertan could also play a significant role.
Betting Odds
Newcastle United @ 1.40
Draw @ 4.75
Wigan Athletic @ 10.00
