Taylor has ruffled Magpie feathers in the past by scoring winning goals for the Latics.
He struck gold earlier this season at St James' Park on his first team recall with an early thunderbolt.
And Bruce's boys won last year's corresponding Boxing Day clash with a 1-0 win courtesy of Taylor who has found the net, in each of the last three seasons against Newcastle.
Bruce said: "Ryan definitely has to play against Newcastle.
"I brought him into the team this time last year as a wide left player because he can score and he did to beat Newcastle then.
"When he is in the team our set pieces and delivery which is such a big part of Premier League football is as good as you can get.
"Ryan has the ability to chip in with some very important goals and he certainly has a good record against Newcastle.
"I'm looking forward to the game - we were terrific last time out against Blackburn."
Returns
Midfield terrier Wilson Palacios will be back from suspension and is likely to be on the bench.
Emmerson Boyce also returns after missing the Blackburn game with a hamstring injury.
Bruce is expecting a tough test against Joe Kinnear's side.
"I was very impressed with Newcastle's recent performance against Portsmouth, they were terrific," he said.
"Newcastle are starting to get their players back and Michael Owen has been playing well. When he's fit like he is at the moment he is still a fantastic player."
Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa has turned his loan move from Honduran side Deportivo Olimpia into a long-term deal.
Figueroa, 25, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract after the clubs agreed a fee.
Meanwhile, Emile Heskey is expected to stay at the JJB and see out his Latics contract despite strong interest from Aston Villa.
You can get 6/1 on Wigan winning 1-0 with BetFred. For more odds click here
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