Premier League Preview – Newcastle vs Stoke
Newcastle United host Stoke City at St James’ Park this Sunday in what will be the sixth game of their Premiership campaign.
Ahead of the game, Newcastle are fired up, thanks to a 4-3 midweek win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup. Ironically, Newcastle also lost at home to Blackpool in the Premier League.
Chris Hughton’s side have scored eleven goals in the first five games of their Premiership season. His defense has stood up when he counted and conceded just four goals, to give the Magpies a healthy goal difference.
Compare that to the six goals for and eight against for Stoke. Seven of them came in the first 45 minutes of the games in which they took place.
The Potters have had their ups and downs this season. Following a last-gasp away win against Villa, they drew at home against West Ham.
James Perch will return to the Newcastle squad from suspension. Sol Campbell, who played the entire Carling Cup match, is also likely to start. “Goalkeeper Steve Harper has been advised 12 weeks off after shoulder surgery. Tim Krul is likely to replace him.
Danny Simpson and Danny Guthrie have not returned to fitness due to their respective shoulder and knee injuries. Newcastle will also miss Steven Taylor with a shoulder injury and Dan Gosling, who has a knee problem.
For Stoke, the regulars should return to the starting XI after being rested during the Carling Cup loss to Fulham in midweek, chief among them goalkeeper James Sorensen. Abdoulaye Faye will strengthen the defensive line, while the striker should benefit from the return of John Walters.
Manager Tony Pulis will also welcome winger Jermaine Pennant back from a hamstring injury.
The Potters last won at St James’ in 1976. Their last win against the Magpies came in 1989, when they prevailed 2-1 in a Division 2 game. The teams have drawn three of their last four league and cup games .
Caroll is Newcastle’s man of the season, with four goals in five games, while Jones has only scored once for the Potters in his five.
Stoke should consider themselves lucky if they get away with a draw; Newcastle should regard it as a missed opportunity if they don’t pick up three game points.
Newcastle will likely include these players in their starting XI: Krul, Enrique, Williamson, Coloccini, Perch, Ben Arfa, Nolan, Barton, Routledge, Ameobi, Caroll
Stoke City’s starting XI will likely be: Sorensen, Collins, Faye, Shawcross, Huth, Etherington, Delap, Whitehead, WhelanJones, Walters.