Newcastle v Wigan – Match preview.
Posted on October 15th, 2010 | 94 Comments |
It’s another game against a team that is tipped to be in and around the relegation scrap with us come the end if the season, and Newcastle will have to make sure that it doesn’t go the same way as our last two home game against a similar calibre of opposition went.
Newcastle need to get back to winning ways, and a home game against Wigan should present the ideal opportunity to see that happen. It won’t be an easy game though, none of them are, and Wigan will have their eyes firmly set on taking the three points back with them in their minibus to Lancashire.
Chris Hughton will begin a lengthly spell without Hatem Ben Arfa after the French schemer suffered that horrendous double leg break against Manchester City a fortnight ago. Steven Taylor is on the verge of returning to full training but will still be unavailable, as will Steve Harper, Leon Best and Dan Gosling.
On the plus side, Danny Simpson is close to a return to first-team action after coming through a couple of reserve games unscathed. Danny Guthrie is also close to returning after a long injury lay-off with a knee problem whilst Fabricio Coloccini is fit to feature after picking up a groin injury against Manchester City but is likely to be rested as a precaution. Sol Campbell is likely to deputise.
The reliance on 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 or whatever you want to call it is again being brought into question with some fans believing that the formation will be our downfall. Personally I think it is time for a change and would like to see a team of;
Newcastle – Tim Krul, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Sol Campbell, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Cheick Tiote, Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Andy Carroll.
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez could recall on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley for the trip to St James’ Park. Cleverley had been out with a knee injury but proved his fitness midweek with the Under-21 squad. Ali Al-Habsi is fit to start in goal although Antolin Alcaraz and Gary Caldwell look likely to miss the match.
Last time out Wigan beat Wolves 2-0 where they lined up with a team of;
Wigan – Ali Al Habsi, Steve Gohouri, Antolin Alcaraz, Emerson Boyce, Maynor Figueroa, James McCarthy, Hendry Thomas, Charles N’Zogbia, Jordi Gomez, Franco Di Santo, Hugo Rodallega.
As I said earlier, it won’t be an easy game, but it is one that we have to win. Both teams have been unpredictable results wise so far this season but I fully expect that Newcastle will take the three points tomorrow and finally start turning those promising performances into points.
My prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Wigan.
Howay the lads!
Date – Saturday, 16th October, 2010.
Kick-off – 3:00pm.
Venue – St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Hoping for plenty of effort from the lads on the pitch and also from us lot off it, bring back the noise.