Wigan v Newcastle: Magpies face tough task at the DW

Wigan host Newcastle this Sunday afternoon with the Latics poised to begin their traditional end of season escape act against a Magpies side that they have a very decent record against.

Wigan’s position in the relegation zone is wholly predictable but they have shown plenty in recent weeks to suggest they may be worth backing at odds of 5/4 to pick up all three points here.

They saw off Everton 3-0 in their last clash and also defeated Reading 3-0 less than a month ago.

Admittedly they were thrashed 4-0 by an increasingly impressive Liverpool but it’s hard to see Newcastle showing that kind of goalscoring threat.

Apart from Alan Pardew’s beard there’s been precious little to worry about for the Magpies in recent weeks but they haven’t exactly been smashing them in away from St James’ Park.

They haven’t scored in either of their last two away games and have hit just two in their previous seven matches at Wigan. However, the Latics’ do ‘boast’ the worst home defence in the Premier League.

In fact, they have lost six of their previous seven games at the DW Stadium and have been defeated in seven of their last nine Premier League away games.

Backing Wigan to come through and pick up the victory looks a punt well worth considering at 5/4.

However, if you can’t see that happening then Newcastle – who are in much better shape than they were prior to January – are available at 21/10 to get all three points.