Newcastle United are set to host Wigan Athletic at St James' Park, in a Saturday afternoon kick-off at St James' Park.
Wigan have proved good travellers this season and have a win against Tottenham at White Hart Lane and a draw with Birmingham at the St Andrews' Ground to show for it. That said, the win against Spurs has been their solitary win in their last 10 away matches.
SEASON 3 PREMIERE
Interestingly, Wigan did not concede a goal in either of those away matches - the only team to achieve the feat this season -- and that record should stand them in good stead against Newcastle who have been very inconsistent this season.
The Magpies began well with a 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa but after that initial burst their campaign has been lacklustre, and their last home match against Stoke resulted in a 2-1 loss. That said, Robert Martinez's squad were unlucky not to grab a point against Man City at the Eastlands, in their last match on October 3.
Despite their patchy season, Newcastle hold the edge in a match whose result could hinge on whether Carroll starts for the Magpies. And Ben Arfa's injury could pave the way for Carroll to lead the attack along with Kevin Nolan, another player who has impressed.
Newcastle will not have Taylor, Gosling and Harper playing in this game, owing to injury. Injury concerns will also keep Wigan's Caldwell and Thomas out of Saturday's game.
The Magpies could rue Ryan Taylor's absence as he has scored in each of the last four matches between the sides. But curiously enough, those goals came playing for Wigan.
Wigan will also be encouraged by the fact that Newcastle have lost three of their last four home matches, and have just two wins to show in their last 13 games at St James' Park.
The Magpies had the following players in their last game, against Manchester City: Tim Krul, James Perch, Michael Williamson, Fabrizio Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Hatem Ben Arfa, Kevin Nolan, Cheik Ismael Tiote, Joey Barton, Jonaz Guttierez, Shola Amoebi.
The substitutes were: Andrew Carroll, Ryan Taylor, Wayne Routledge, Peter Lovenkrands, Ole Soderberg, Sol Campbell, Alan Smith.
Wigan's starting eleven in their last match, against Wolves, comprised: Ali Al Habsi, Emmerson Boyce, Steve Gohouri, Antolin Alcaraz, Maynor Figueroa, James McCarthy, Hendry Thomas, Jordi Gomez, Charles N'Zogbia, Franco Di Santio, Hugo Rodallega.
The substitutes were: Victor Moses, Mohamed Diame, Mauro Boselli, Ronnie Stam, Ben Watson, Gary Caldwell, Chris Kirkland.
Premier League Match Time: Newcastle Vs Wigan SEASON 3 PREMIERE
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