SUPER League’s top four are threatening to pull away from the pack, something Wigan will no doubt be acutely aware of.

Currently, the Warriors sit fifth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Leeds.

While their position is currently nothing to worry about, a continuation of their recent form could see their fight to defend their Super League title become an uphill struggle.

Perhaps more worryingly from a Wigan perspective, defeat to Wolves would see their neighbours move just two points behind them.

Shaun Wane has seen his side lose their last two league games against Castleford and Salford, shipping 85 points in the process.

However, much like last year, Wane can point to an injury crisis that has shorn the team of many star players.

INJURY NEWS:

Having already started the season without the likes of Sam Tomkins and Dom Manfredi, key performers George Williams, Thomas Leuluai, Sean O’Loughlin, Sam Powell and John Bateman have all been lost since then.

When you also consider the recent long-term injuries suffered by Anthony Gelling, Morgan Escare and Oliver Gildart, it is easy to see why Wane is cursing his luck.

Indeed, Wane fielded Joel Tomkins and Nick Gregson, both second-rowers by trade, in the halves in Sunday’s 42-12 Challenge Cup victory over Swinton.

However, O'Loughlin and Williams look set to be in contention to face The Wire in Newcastle.

Wigan squad: Joe Burgess, Tom Davies, Liam Farrell, Callum Field, Liam Forsyth, Nick Gregson, Willie Isa, Liam Marshall, Michael McIlorum, Romain Navarrete, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Sean O’Loughlin, Ryan Sutton, Taulima Tautai, Lewis Tierney, Joel Tomkins, Jack Wells, George Williams, Josh Woods.

ONE TO WATCH – Liam Marshall:

INJURIES open up opportunities for others and Marshall has taken his with both hands.

Wire fans will know all about the 21-year-old’s abilities after he scored four tries against them in a 38-16 victory for Wigan at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in March.

Marshall has scored seven tries in all competitions since then to make it 11 tries in 12 senior appearances and, after Escare’s injury, has now become the team’s goal-kicker.

He and fellow winger Tom Davies have also been rewarded with new deals to stay at Wigan until 2020.

POSSIBLE TEAM:

Lewis Tierney; Tom Davies, Liam Forsyth, Joe Burgess, Liam Marshall; George Williams, Sean O'Loughlin; Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Michael McIlorum, Ryan Sutton, Joel Tomkins, Liam Farrell, Willie Isa. Subs: Josh Woods, Taulima Tautai, Romain Navarette, Nick Gregson.