Wigan Vs New Castle

Wednesday evening in the Carling Cup offers an opportunity to make a tidy profit on the back of Wigan manager Paul Jewell revealing he will be making wholesale changes for the live game at home against Newcastle United.

To be fair to the Latics boss, it is in keeping with what he has done in the tournament. The reserve team secured a narrow win over Bournemouth in the first round, while a similar line-up overcame high flying Watford after extra time in the previous round.

Despite a step up in the class of opposition for Wednesday?s fourth-round tie with the Magpies at the JJB Stadium - Jewell is eager to rest those who have so far exceeded all expectations in the Premiership this season.

When Newcastle last played at the JJB, they were slightly unfortunate to lose by a single goal. Alan Shearer was denied a 65th-minute equalizer when his header appeared to cross the line, only for it to be disallowed by the assistant referee.

With that injustice still fresh in their minds, the importance of rebounding quickly from the defeat at Everton, and the hosts putting out a weakened side, there is very good reason to expect an away win.

Further reason for optimism for the Magpies is the expected return of Michael Owen. The England striker missed the defeats at Chelsea and Everton after suffering a groin injury. The England International has one played in six of a possible eleven matches since moving to the Northeast, although when fit Newcastle are clearly a more potent outfit.

Even if Owen fails to make the team, 11/8 looks too big a price to ignore for Newcastle to defeat in effect what is the reserve Wigan team. As news of what Paul Jewell has planned becomes more widespread, expect most firms to offer around the 6/5 mark by kick-off.