Newcastle vs Stoke Preview 21.4.2012

April 21, 2012 3:00 PM BST
Sports Direct Arena — Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Newcastle

Danny Guthrie, Cheik Tiote and Leon Best should all be back in contention to face Stoke, with James Perch slightly more doubtful. With the Ivorian back in the side Newcastle could, however, play a 4-3-3 once again.

Pardew's only change to the side that beat Bolton nearly two months ago could therefore see Tiote replace Perch in the heart of the midfield, reverting to a flat 4-4-2 last time out.

Probable lineups : Krul, Santon, Coloccini, Williamson, Simpson, Gutiérrez, Tioté, Cabaye, Ba, Cissé, Arfa. (4-3-3).

Stoke

Andy Wilkinson is back in contention for Stoke, though Jermaine Pennant is a doubt for the trip to Newcastle with a virus. Fit again Glenn Whelan will, however, hope to replace Palacios in midfield.

After a rest against Villa last time out, Crouch should return in place of Kenwyne Jones, though the rest of the side may remain unchanged.

Probable lineups : Begovic, Shotton, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Delap, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington, Crouch, Walters. (4-4-2).

Match Facts
Newcastle have won their last 5 matches in Premier League.
Newcastle have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 home matches in Premier League.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Newcastle's last 4 home games in Premier League.
Newcastle have seen over 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Stoke in all competitions.
Stoke have failed to win their last 7 away matches in Premier League.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Stoke's last 8 games in Premier League.

Prediction

The Magpies' win at The Britannia earlier in the season was their first in five attempts against Stoke with the Potters winning their previous encounter at St. James' Park 2-1.

Unlike most Stoke games, when these two sides meet their tends to be goals and the hosts will be favourite to continue their unexpected march for Champions League football next season.

Newcastle are still in the race for fourth and possibly even third since Arsenal's slip up against Wigan and will see this as a must win home game with Chelsea and Man City still to play.

Newcastle vs Stoke Preview 21.4.2012

Predictions score

Newcastle  2 - 1  Stoke