Predicted Newcastle side to play Wigan: Injury blow to international pair

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Here is how we predict Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic will line-up ahead of their Championship meeting this weekend.

To be played on Saturday 1st April 2017 at 16:00. Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle

Odds: Newcastle 4/11, Draw 7/2, Wigan 8/1

Newcastle United welcome Wigan Athletic to St. James’ Park as two former Premier League sides with contrasting fortunes go head to head.

Championship table-toppers Newcastle look almost certain to return to the top flight at the first time of asking – whereas Wigan, who last played Premier League football in 2013, appear destined to drop into League One at the culmination of the season.

Magpies boss Rafa Benitez will be unable to select Republic of Ireland internationals Daryl Murphy and Ciaran Clark – as the first team duo miss out with the injuries that forced their withdrawal from their national team last week.

Further Newcastle injury concerns include the impressive DeAndre Yedlin (hamstring), midfielder Isaac Hayden (ankle), in addition to the fluctuating fitness of goal-getter Dwight Gayle.

However, there is some good news for Benitez, as Aleksandar Mitrovic and Grant Hanley are fully expected to be available for consideration.

Meanwhile, visitors Wigan may be boosted by the possibility of selecting Alex Gilbey – who is back in the fold after suffering a serious ankle injury earlier in the season. Former Newcastle man Gabriel Obertan may be afforded another start for the Latics upon his return to St. James’ Park.

Here is our predicted line-up for both Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic, in full: