Wigan have shown vast improvement under new manager Steve Bruce although they still continue to sit deep in the relegation zone on the Premier League table. Their astounding 5-3 win over Blackburn Rovers was testimony to the fact that Bruce has brought in a new thinking methodology at the JJB Stadium.

That result came after they were trashed 4-1 by fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers in their previous match. In their next Premier League clash on December 22, Wigan squandered away a magnificent chance to beat Fulham. Marcus Bent had given Wigan the late in the 70th minute, but his effort was in vain as Clint Dempsey equalized in the 78th minute.

The result is bad for Wigan considering the fact that Fulham were managerless following the sacking of former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez. Jason Koumas and Antoine Sibierski continue to recover from their respective injuries as does striker Emile Heskey. Last year's Boxing Day clash carried bitter memories for Wigan who were comprehensively beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford by Manchester United.

Newcastle have partially revived their season under manager Sam Allardyce, who was under pressure following a poor run of initial results in the Premiership. However convincing wins over Fulham and Birmingham City have eased the pressure at St James' Park.

Steven Taylor continues to recover from a hamstring strain, while central defender Abdoulaye Faye could play the Wigan game after recovering from a calf strain. Michael Owen is expected to play on Sunday in the game against Derby County.

Last year Newcastle were trashed 2-1 by Bolton on Boxing Day. Goals from Nicolas Anelka and Ramage (own goal) nullified an early Kieron Dyer goal. Use your exclusive membership to watch Wigan v Newcastle live at free-football.tv, the premier online source to watch live soccer online.