Newcastle United resume their Championship campaign with a relatively easy fixture as they host relegation-battling Wigan Athletic next game. The Magpies are currently leading the Championship table with one slim point over Brighton Albion who are hot on their heels; and with no more breaks to intervene, they are all set for the final run to the breath-taking season.
Strongest Newcastle United XI vs Wigan Athletic
Defence
Karl Darlow will take his place under the bar once again. The English shot-stopper has been nothing less than phenomenal so far conceding just 25 goals in 29 outings for the club. He has already attracted numerous Premier League suitors and will have a hyped summer window.
The back four is expected to undergo a huge change this fixture with almost all of the first-choice defenders sidelined with an injury at the moment. Wales international Paul Dummett has been sidelined on international duty with a heel injury. Achraf Lazaar, the new summer recruit should replace him in that position.
The other feasible option on the right defensive flank, Vurnon Anita, is also sidelined until early next month, and we expect the experienced Jesus Gamez to take that position against Wigan Athletic.
Team skipper Jamaat Lascelles is expected to take his place in the central defence alongside Grant Hanley. First choice Ciaran Clark is yet to return from his medial collateral ligament injury.
Midfield
Rafael Benitez risked benching some first team players that ended with a wrong result in the last game against Birmingham City. We expect the boss to stick with the proven first team this game.
Jonjo Shelvey is likely to come back in the central midfield replacing Mohamed Diame. The English veteran has been one of the prime reasons for Newcastle’s success this season. He has netted four goals and assisted eight times so far. His defensive abilities and the long passing range is quite unparalleled in the Championship. He will be partnered by the reliable Jack Colback in the middle of the park.
The flanks should be taken by the regulars- Yoan Gouffran and Matt Ritchie. The duo has 14 goals and 12 assists this season so far and Newcastle would rely on them heavily to get the right finish.
Attack
Ayoze Perez started in the number 10 role last game but he wasn’t that effective. He would be hoping for a good game this time. Club’s top scorer Dwight Gayle should start ahead of Aleksandar Mitrovic if Benitez wants a routine win.
