Geordies aiming to catch Arsenal when they travel to Wigan
Published:Newcastle can bolster their Champions League ambitions when they visit the North West priced at 6/5 to beat a rejuvenated Wigan.
The Toon have been in wonderful form of late and could equal their Premier League record of seven successive wins with a victory at the DW.
The Latics have been on a fine run of their own over the last few weeks, recording wins against Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal on their way to four wins from six that has seen them drag themselves out of the relegation zone.
The Magpies will have an extra incentive when the teams take to the pitch, strangely due to Chelsea’s dramatic success in Europe midweek.
The Blues advanced to the Champions League final, consequently if they were to win that competition only the top three would be granted a place in the tournament next year, meaning that if the North East club are to be guaranteed a spot amongst Europe’s elite they must hunt down Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
The Gunners face a trip to Stoke this weekend, on a ground where they have only won once in the Premier League era and a defeat for them and a win for Pardew’s men could see the black and whites go level with the third placed London club with a game in hand.
However, this clash is not all about Champions League qualification, the home side are once again attempting to defy the odds and stay in the division.
The Lancashire club are within striking distance of both QPR and Aston Villa and with the Villans involved in a local derby with West Brom and the R’s travelling to Spurs a win could propel Martinez’s side up the table.
The Spanish boss will also be buoyed by the fact his side have only lost once against Newcastle on home soil since they were promoted to the top-flight.
