Saturday afternoon brings two Newcastle old-boys Antoine Sibierski and Titus Bramble back to St James’. henry_latics from www.wiganer.net spoke to us about the game and how the former Magpies duo are settling in at the JJB.

1. You’ve had a decent start to the season, what are your hopes for this year?
Hopefully a top ten finish, but in the top 13 would be a great achievement.

2. A lot of people automatically tipped Chris Hutchings to be among the early managerial casualties - have you been impressed with him so far?
The early signs are good and he’s got us playing some good football. Still a long season ahead but the signs are promising.

3. Obviously, you took Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski off our hands in the summer. How are they settling in at the JJB, and what are your thoughts on them?
Much better that I thought they would. I’ve always liked Sibierski, but like a lot of others was a little sceptical about Bramble. They both impressed so far and long may it continue.

4. Wigan is traditionally seen as a Rugby League fan. Something I noticed en-route to the JJB last season was the amount of people playing Rugby in the parks, where elsewhere they’d probably be playing Football. Is Football still regarded as the ’second sport’? Do you think Football can ever overtake Rugby in Wigan?
People will still harp about it being a Rugby town, but it’s certainly more noticed media-wise for it’s Football than the Rugby. The crowds are always a talking point for the Latics but the Rugby are struggling and the swing is certainly towards Football. Certain diehard Wiganers will watch the Rugby whatever.

5. What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses in the Wigan team?
We’ve started well defensively, and the strong work ethic has returned. The players are much more comfortable playing Football instead of the more direct route we played last season.

6. Which Wigan players do you expect to cause us problems on Saturday?
Jason Koumas will always be lively, and Heskey will work his socks off. Valencia has also started well.

7. And which Newcastle players do you think will cause you problems?
Martins and Viduka are the obvious choices and Owen’s return to fitness is a boost for you guys. James Milner is a player that I like.

8. Where do you see Newcastle and Wigan finishing come May?
I’d expect Newcastle to be pushing for the top 6 places, but whether they will is another thing. As for us, a top 10 finish would be great.

9. Who’s your tip for the title this year, and who do you think are going down?
Even with the poor start they’ve had, I think Manure will still be close to the title, with Chelsea and Liverpool nearby. Going down will be Derby, Sunderland and Reading.

10. Finally, what’s the score going to be on Saturday?
Heart says a Wigan win, but I’ll settle for a 1-1 draw.

Thanks to henri_latics.