Newcastle United v Wigan Athletic- Eight games to go in the Championship season

After a two week rest, Isaac Hayden has With eight games remaining, Newcastle look Premier League bound. They simply need to keep their concentration and get the job done. fully recovered from his ankle injury that has kept him out for the last seven games. The midfielder will battle it out with Jack Colback for a place in the starting eleven.

Grant Hanley, Daryl Murphy and Paul Dummett both carried knocks into the international break, but are all expected to be fit to play. However, the match will probably come too early for Ciaran Clark.

Jonjo Shelvey had to settle for the bench in the goalless draw at Birmingham due to illness, but will regain his place in the XI.

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As always, Rafa Benitez will decide upon either Ayoze Perez or Mo Diame to slot in behind the striker.

Dwight Gayle was also a substitute in that game, but is also likely to start up front for the Magpies. He will be hoping to add to his 21 goals this campaign.

The visitors will be without Andy Kellett for the game. The full-back was forced off last time out against Aston Villa with a knee ligament injury. He will be on the sidelines for for the rest of the campaign.

There is better news for manager Graham Barrow as Reece James is closing in on a return from an ankle problem. He will likely take up the left-back spot.

Will Grigg is another who may not play again this term for the latics. The Northern Irishman has also picked up a knee injury. January signing Omar Bogle will continue as the lone striker. The Birmingham born former Grimsby man has scored three goals already for his new club.

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Captain Stephen Warnock is also nursing a knee injury.

Gabriel Obertan is in line to play against Newcastle for the first time since leaving the club towards the end of last season.

Former Colchester man Alex Gilby will be pushing for a start after a season of personal frustration. He faces stiff competition though in the form of Sam Morsy and Shaun MacDonald.

Likely line ups

Newcastle: Darlow, Anita, Lascelles, Hanley, Dummett, Shelvey, Hayden, Ritchie, Diame, Gouffran, Gayle

Wigan: Gilks, Connolly, Burn, Buxton, James, Hanson, Obertan, MacDonald, Morsy, Jacobs, Bogle

Score prediction: Newcastle United 3-0 Wigan Athletic

The match has not been selected for TV coverage. You can follow along by tuning into BBC Radio Newcastle’s live match commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website.