Squad sheets: Newcastle United v Wigan Athletic

The loss of France international Hatem Ben Arfa will be acutely felt by Newcastle United, although it gives Wayne Routledge yet another chance to prove he is good enough to play in the Premier League. The winger has failed to convince so far, but the long-term injury to Ben Arfa means he will get another run in the side. Andy Carroll's international ambition is being hampered by the loss of his place in the starting lineup at club level and he is likely to lose out to Shola Ameobi again. Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia, who had a training ground punch-up with Carroll during his time on Tyneside, can expect a hot reception on his first return to St James' Park. Lance Harvey Venue St James' Park, Saturday 3pm Tickets £20-50 (0844 372 1892) Last season n/a Referee M Halsey This season's matches 3 Y 6, R 0, 2.00 cards per game Odds Newcastle 10-11 Wigan 7-2 Draw 13-5 Newcastle Subs from Soderberg, Kadar, R Taylor, Campbell, Simpson, Lovenkrands, Ranger, Carroll, Smith, Guthrie, Xisco Doubtful Guthrie (knee), Simpson (ankle) Injured Best (ankle, 31 Oct), S Taylor (shoulder, Nov), Gosling (knee, Jan), Harper (shoulder, Jan), Ben Arfa (broken leg, Apr) Suspended None Form guide LLWLDW Disciplinary record Y17 R0 Leading scorer Carroll 4 Wigan Subs from Kirkland, Pollitt, Stam, Moses, G Caldwell, S Caldwell, Boselli, Cleverley, Diamé, McArthur, Watson, Mustoe, De Ridder, McManaman Doubtful Alcaraz (ankle), G Caldwell (hip) Injured None Suspended None Form guide WDLDWL Disciplinary record Y13 R0 Leading scorer Rodallega 2 Match pointers • If Newcastle win, it will be their 250th Premier League victory • There have been four red cards and four penalties in the eight Premier League meetings between these sides • Newcastle have allowed their opponents only 20 shots on goal against them, fewer than any other top-flight team • Wigan have required and average of 27 shots for each goal this season, the worst ratio in the division • Ryan Taylor has scored in his last four appearances in games between these sides, but all as a Wigan player