EPL Match Preview: Newcastle United vs. Stoke City
Newcastle United have defied all soothsayers by being one of the brightest teams since the beginning of the new season. After Newcastle were promoted, most football pundits had warned that they might go straight down again this season but such dire warnings
have so far not come to passing as Newcastle have started with two wins in five matches while they currently sit at sixth spot in the table. It doesn’t look bad at all for a team that was slated to be relegated.
However, on Sunday they will face a side which will remind them of many physical teams that they may have played in the Championship last season. Stoke City have managed to stabilize their position in the league over the last few years. But, their style
of football leaves some of the purists asking for more. A direct, functional style based mostly on strong and tall physical players while a proficiency at set pieces has allowed Stoke City to survive the vigor of the Premier League.
This would be a match which both sides will look at and expect to get at least a point out of. Being at home, Newcastle of course would be hoping that St. James Park gives them an extra boost. They have certain injury problems in the squad with the game
arriving too soon for Danny Simpson and Danny Guthrie, while goalkeeper Steve Harper has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks. The fallout from these injuries is that Tim Krul will have to deputize in goal for the Magpies.
James Perch will return to the side while ex-Gunner, Sol Campbell, who played at Stamford Bridge in the memorable midweek Carling Cup tie, will also be hoping for a start. It is Newcastle’s last triumph over league leaders, Chelsea, in the Carling Cup midweek,
which will give them much confidence. They were the surprise winners in London over the Blues and will now hope to ride the momentum of that victory with yet another one against Stoke City. The home fans would surely give them raucous support for their excellent
midweek exploits.
Meanwhile, Hatem Ben Arfa will be hoping to continue his excellent start to life in England while Andy Carroll has already been a shining light for Newcastle United, this season. With Kevin Nolan and a reformed Joey Barton patrolling the midfield, Newcastle
seem to have an excellent balance to their team which will give them confidence that they can win on Sunday.
Stoke City on the other hand, would welcome back their goalkeeper, Thomas Sorensen, while Jermaine Pennant is also expected to return to the squad after a brief injury layoff. Like most league managers, Stoke manager Tony Pulis is also expected to return
his team to full strength after trying out some fringe players in the Carling Cup midweek. John Walters is another one, who is expected to return to the side to face Newcastle.
Newcastle United play with a mixture of flair and physicality while Stoke City, despite some impressive recent acquisitions, have been unable to evolve their playing style. Most of the indicators point to a Newcastle victory as they have been much more fluid
in the opening stages of the league, while Stoke has had to struggle for goals and form. Stoke are currently 17th in the table and are not in the relegation zone because of goal difference.
Home form seems to have deserted the Potters, so if they are to pick up any quick points, they will have to do it the hard way on the road. Newcastle’s St. James Park may no longer be a fortress of yore but it is still a notoriously difficult place to get
points from. Manager Pulis has his work cut out.
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