The Mags v Wigan (15/11)

WIGAN boss Steve Bruce is sweating on the fitness of Emile Heskey ahead of the trip to Newcastle. The England striker, who aggravated a long-standing hamstring problem against Stoke last weekend and missed the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal, is rated 50-50 to return.

Daniel de Ridder deputised at the Emirates and is standing by to again feature in a five-man midfield, although Bruce could elect for a more attacking line-up and pair Henri Camara up front with top scorer Amr Zaki. Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland strained his back at Arsenal but is expected to keep his place at St James’ Park, while skipper Mario Melchiot will also feature despite picking up a knock in the week.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is out of the game. The England Under-21s skipper missed Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Fulham with a groin problem and is not yet ready to return, so Claudio Cacapa, who deputised at Craven Cottage, and Sebastien Bassong are standing by. Michael Owen is again likely to start on the bench, but although Mark Viduka (Achilles) has returned to training, the game will come too soon for him. Xisco (hamstring) and Igancio Gonzalez (Achilles) are both on the casualty list, as is Alan Smith (stress fracture of the foot).

Newcastle United (from): Given, Harper, Beye, Enrique, Bassong, Coloccini, Cacapa, Edgar, Butt, Barton, Guthrie, Duff, Gutierrez, Geremi, Ameobi, Owen, Martins, Carroll.

Wigan Athletic (from): Kirkland, Kingson, Pollitt, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Scharner, Figueroa, Taylor, Kilbane, De Ridder, Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Cattermole, Koumas, Kapo, Heskey, Zaki, Camara.

Newcastle league form: DLWWL

Wigan league form: LLLWD

Key opponent: Michael Owen - he might only start on the bench but if he’ll be the main threat if he comes on