Stoke City host Newcastle United in one of Saturday's three o'clock kick offs. At this stage of any other season, a clash between tenth and twelfth placed sides might well have been a dead rubber, however this season's ultra-competitive Premier League means that neither side can relax yet.
Newcastle are five points clear of the relegation zone, four short of the theoretically 'safe' forty points total, while Stoke are similarly close to the drop. The Potters sit three points clear of West Ham on thirty four points, but with tough games against Chelsea and Tottenham to follow after they face Newcastle, Tony Pulis will breathe easier should his side record another victory over the Magpies.
Stoke's season has been built on strong home form, while Newcastle have taken more points away from home than most, including a famous triumph over Arsenal. Leon Best's form since the departure of Andy Carroll is encouraging for Newcastle fans, while Stoke supporters will hope for a repeat of their September win at St James' Park.
Abdoulaye Faye is closing in on a return from his hamstring injury for Stoke, amid reports of interest from Turkish sides Besiktas and Galatasaray. For Newcastle, Barton and Enrique may not be risked although Alan Pardew has yet to make a final call. Gutierrez and Ireland are also worries for the northerners.
Stoke City vs Newcastle United Premier league
Date: 19 March, 2011 - 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Britannia Stadium, Stoke on Trent
Referee: Lee Mason
Stoke City: Keeper: Begovic
Defenders: Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Higginbotham
Midfielders: Pennant, Whitehad, Delap, Pugh
Forwards: Carew, Jones
Coach: Tony Pulis
Injured: Abdoulaye
Booked:-
Newcastle United: Keeper: Harper
Defenders: Coloccini, Enrique, Williamson, Simpson
Midfielders: Taylor, Nolan, Gutierrez, Tiote
Forwards: Lovenkrands, Best
Coach: Alan Pardew
Injured: Ireland
Booked:-
Referee: Lee Mason
Matches:
17 Yellow cards:
71 Red cards:
3Conditions: Mostly sunny
8 °C
Last match: 26. September 2010, Newcastle United - Stoke City
1-2Matches Played:
64 Wins Stoke city:
18Win Newcastle United:
29Draw:
17
It is going to be certainly an interesting game, Newcastle are five points clear of the relegation zone while Stoke are similarly close to the drop.
Our prediction : home/draw
The best odds to this game you find at:
888sports and
Bet365.
