Source: Northern_Echo
Harper, Ameobi and Lovenkrands start for Magpies
ALAN Pardew has made five changes to the Newcastle United side that starts this afternoon's Premier League game at Wigan.[LNB] Steve Harper returns between the sticks for the first time since mid-September after completing his recovery from a shoulder injury.[LNB] Harper replaces Tim Krul, who has paid the price for a dreadful error against Manchester City two games ago despite turning in an improved display at Tottenham last weekend.[LNB] Two other changes come in attack, with Shola Ameobi partnering Peter Lovenkrands in the starting line-up for the first time this season in the Premier League.[LNB] The duo replace the injured Andy Carroll and winger Wayne Routledge, who drops down the bench.[LNB] Carroll is expected to be unavailable for around a month after a scan on Friday revealed significant damage to his injured thigh. Pardew also recalls fit-again full-back Jose Enrique, who plays instead of James Perch, and Kevin Nolan, who replaces Alan Smith in central midfield.[LNB] WIGAN (4-5-1): Al Habsi; Alcaraz, Gohouri, G Caldwell, Stam; Thomas, Watson, Diame, Cleverley, Gomez; Rodallega.[LNB] Subs: Pollitt (gk), Boselli, S Caldwell, McArthur, Lopez, Figueroa, McManaman.[LNB] NEWCASTLE (4-4-2): Harper (gk), Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Enrique; Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.[LNB] Subs: Krul (gk), Williamson, Perch, Smith, Routledge, Best, Ranger.[LNB] [LNB]
