Premier League preview: Newcastle v Wigan

Deep in relegation trouble with one win this season, Wigan Athletic travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on Saturday.

What a difference a season makes.

After replacing manager Chris Hughton with Alan Pardew and selling 35 million-pound England striker Andy Carroll and Spanish defender Jose Enrique to Liverpool, Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley conspired to sell off midfield lychpin Joey Barton to QPR as well.

The end result is a resurgent Newcastle United, who are now fourth in the English Premier League and are undefeated this season.

Newcastle’s travails have toughened the club’s defence, with Fabricio Coloccini finally acclimatised to English football and even Steven Taylor respectable in his left-back role.

Demba Ba has been key for the Geordie club with five goals in seven games. The French-born Senegal striker scored again on Sunday, keeping Newcastle’s unbeaten record intact with a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

With Wigan struggling defensively in their 3-1 loss against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, Pardew will count on Ba to keep his goals flowing as Newcastle look for all three points.

Wigan’s backline has been all at sea this season.

Rocked by Bolton’s early goal, Gary Caldwell, Ali Al Habsi and Antolin Alcaraz never recovered and struggled to organise the defence.

With only one win at home this season – against newcomers QPR – Roberto Martinez’s men will have to reverse their horrendous away form if they are to come away with any points at St James Park.

With belief increasing by the day among Pardew’s men, this one looks like Newcastle’s to lose.