Melchiot in line for Wigan return

Wigan defender Mario Melchiot is available for the Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle on St Stephen's Day after serving a suspension.

Manager Steve Bruce could also be boosted by the return of Emile Heskey following an ankle injury.

The England striker was forced to sit out the draw against Fulham as did Jason Koumas because of a groin problem and he remains doubtful.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Taylor, Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown, Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Bent, Heskey, Aghahowa, Granqvist, Olembe, Koumas, Skoko, Cotterill, Hall, Sibierski, Pollitt.