Newcastle v Stoke City match preview

By: j | December 5th, 2008

With the relegation battle continuing for Joe Kinnear’s forces, the Stoke City visit of St James’ Park is an important match to earn a valuable three points. As the downward plight of West Brom continues and Sunderland in complete disarray following the departure of Roy Keane, Newcastle has a perfect opportunity to distance themselves from the bottom of the table.

Undoubtedly the Magpies have quietly put together a three-match unbeaten streak. However before you pop the Cristal, I want to stress there has been a morsel of a problem scoring as the last two matches were scoreless draws. Statistically speaking if every there was a match to break out it is against Stoke as they Tony Pulis’ side are not only one of the worst scoring teams on the road but additionally one of the worst defending.

Yet statistics do little to explain the Potters intensity of play and excluding the disastrous 5-0 loss to Manchester United, they have consistently shown they belong in the Premier League. While many will focus on the near impossible to defend throw-in missiles by Rory Delap, they are one of the best disciplined units in the Premiership, displaying a concerted team effort that makes up for some weaknesses in the upper talent. To defeat Stoke, typically clubs have need to be patient and not allow them opportunities to attack on the counter. Newcastle have no new injuries to report with Shola Ameobi the only absence and Stoke City will be without enterprising Dave Kitson and Ryan Shawcross.

Joe Kinnear said before the match:

“We have had three consecutive draws now and need to start winning games to shoot up a few places.

I will report on the match as it concludes.