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Although there hasn't been much transfer action in
Newcastle this year, they have managed a great
signing in Damien Duff, a £5 buy from Chelsea. The
season has already begun for the magpies. In the
UEFA cup second round qualifying they beat FK
Ventspils 1-0 away, the goal coming from defender
Titus Bramble. Attacking wise, they do look a little
short on firepower, with Michael Owen out for a
considerable time. They are boosted in midfield with
the fitness of Scott Parker, who looks like taking
on a key role at St James this year. Wigan had a
superb Premiership campaign last season, and it will
be interesting to see if they can continue this form
for the second season. The main worry for them is
wether they can keep hold of star wingman Pascal
Chimbonda. He was key for them klast year and will
be a big blow for them. They also lost Jimmy Bullard
to Fulham.
However, they have signed one time England
striker Emile Heskey, and talented central defender
Fitz Hall from Crystal Palace. They have also
strengthened at the back with the signing of Chris
Kirkland in goals. Pre season wise, they have had
some impressive results, beating Rosenborg away and
drawing at home with Vitesse.
This is quite a difficult game to call as the
8/11 on a home win does not jump out as us.
Considering Wigan had an impressive away record last
season and the lack of attacking options for
Newcastle, a price like 8/11 doesnt offer much
value. Of course there will be 50,000 screaming
Geordies at St James, but for me, they still haven't
solved last seasons defensive problems. Titus
Bramble is always a liability at the heart of
defence, and as long as Glenn Roeder keeps playing
him, the Toon are always likely to concede a goal or
two. Wigan manager Paul Jewell is a very shrewd
manager and will probably go all out for the draw,
which is a result which offers more appeal.
Go for a
the draw at 12/5 with Coral [£20 Free Bet] |
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