Premier League: Newcastle vs Wigan odds and betting preview

NEWCASTLE: Alan Pardew's Newcatle side will look to continue their flying start to the season as they welcome Wigan to St James' Park on Saturday. Bookmakers believe the hosts should have too much for their desperately struggling opponents, with Paddy Power making them strong favourites at 8/13. The draw is available at 3/1 with Victor Chandler, who also go as long as 6/1 on the visiting underdogs. 

The recent fortunes of the two sides could not be more dissimilar. Newcastle are unbeaten in their last ten games, of which they have won six, and are currently as high as fourth in the Premier League. Wigan, however, are on a disastrous, six-match losing streak, with only goal difference keeping them from propping up the table.

A 1-0 home win is the favourite score for the game, at 6/1 with Ladbrokes and Betfred, followed by a more decisive 2-0 win at 13/2 with William Hill. The same firm are also top price on a 1-1 draw, at 10/1, while Sky Bet offer 12/1 that the game finishes goalless. A 1-0 Wigan victory is available at 14/1 with Bet 365.

Former West Ham striker Demba Ba has been largely responsible for Newcastle's early-season success, hitting five goals in seven games, and he is favourite to open the scoring on saturday, at 9/2 with Paddy Power. He is followed by Leon Best, at 11/2 with Coral, and Peter Lovenkrands, at 8/1 with the same firm. For Wigan, the best hope of drawing first blood is thought to come from Hugo Rodallega, at 9/1 with Boylesports and most other firms. 

In the half-time/full-time market, the most likely course of events is Newcastle/Newcastle, at 29/20 with William Hill. Next most likely is draw/Newcastle, at 7/2 with Ladbrokes, while draw/draw is available at 11/2 with Betinternet. Wigan are 12/1 with Boylesports to lead at both half-time and full-time and 14/1 with the same firm to win the match after drawing at the break. 

Although Newcastle are currently in the top four, it is not a realistic ambition for the club to remain in such a lofty position, and they will rather aim for a place in the top six, for which they are 13/2 with Stan James. Wigan, however, must now be focused on avoiding relegation, and they are now just 10/11 with Coral for the drop. 

The match kicks off at 15.00 BST on Saturday.

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