Relegation threatened Latics will hope to convert FA Cup form to Premier League action as they take on the Magpies at the DW Stadium.
Roberto Martínez will look to kick-start a league fightback by building on Wigan's recent FA Cup success against Everton. Martínez's side lie 18th, three points shy of Aston Villa in 17th position. "I do see it as the strongest fight out of the last four I've been involved in," said the Wigan manager. Still needing a couple of wins to steer clear of a relegation battle themselves, Newcastle will hope their in-form striker and Thursday night's Europa League saviour, Papiss Cissé, can add to his three goals in his last six Premier League games. (Guardian)
Injured Ben Arfa (hamstring, Aug), Coloccini (back, unknown), Krul (ankle, two weeks) R Taylor (knee, August), Vuckic (knee, August)
Wigan have won five of their six home meetings with Newcastle in the Premier League. Their only defeat came in January 2011 when Shola Ameobi scored the only goal.
Newcastle are vying to beat Wigan home and away in the same season for the first time. They won the reverse fixture 3-0, with Demba Ba scoring twice after Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa was sent off in the 12th minute.
Wigan have the worst home record in the division, with two wins and 10 points from 14 games. They have failed to keep a clean sheet and conceded a league-high 31 goals at home this season.
Newcastle have triumphed in four of their last six league matches, coming from behind to win their last three home games.
The last 16 league goals scored by Newcastle have come from overseas players – France (9), Senegal (6) and Argentina (1). James Perch was their last English scorer, against Manchester United on Boxing Day.
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