Wigan Athletic vs Newcastle United - Preview

After a 4-0 win last time out, Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez will no doubt be looking to build on the momentum from the game against Birmingham, as they face a tough away trip to Wigan Athletic.

Going into the game, Newcastle are rightly heavy favourites. The Tynesiders have strength in depth and quality across the park, perhaps so much so that come the season they should find themselves in an even more comfortable position than they do at the moment.

Dwight Gayle bagged a hat-trick against Birmingham and will be hoping that he gets the chance to add to his tally for the season.

However, Gayle will be unlikely to get anywhere near as many chances in this game, as the magpies are away from home, so he will have to be far more clinical than he was, for example, away to Hull.

However, with Gayle's obvious quality and form, he should be fancied to do so.

Another talking point is whether Jamaal Lascelles will start the game. The Newcastle captain has recently been linked with Liverpool and whether or not he features in the starting line-up should show the validity of those claims.

Personally, I see no reason why Lascelles will not start the game, as it is highly unlikely that he will join Liverpool.