Both these sides have had unusual starts to the Premier League season with Stoke City lying just above the bottom three despite beating Manchester City at the Etihad and Newcastle United propping up the league in 20th place. Newcastle are really struggling at the moment with their supporters clearly against the continued reign of Alan Pardew, as well as the ownership of Mike Ashley. The atmosphere around the club is bordering on poisonous at the moment and Pardew could dearly do with a win to keep his head above the rising waterline. Likewise, Mark Hughes would like to be a little higher in the table so a win here would be well received.
 
Team News
Stoke City
Mark Hughes currently has just three injuries hampering his squad preparations, which is in stark contrast to Newcastle who currently have ten injuries or illnesses damaging their team. Jonathon Walters is currently sweating on his personal fitness as the striker has a slight calf knock which could see him miss the Monday night match – although he should be ruled fit after a late fitness test. Meanwhile, Peter Odemwingie is out until the end of the season with his unfortunate ACL injury. Geoff Cameron rounds off Stoke’s injury list with his groin injury which should keep him out until early October.
Newcastle United
Newcastle’s current predicament is definitely partly down to their horrendous injury record at the moment. The Magpies currently have ten first team squad members out injured, leaving Alan Pardew with the dilemma of having to use some of the younger players from the U21s. Summer signing Daryl Janmaat is a slight doubt for this match with a knock alongside Papiss Cisse, Tim Krul and Joan Gouffran who all face late fitness checks because of illness.
On a much sadder note, Jonas Gutierrez is definitely out for the season, the midfielder has unfortunately been affected by cancer and is receiving treatment in his home country of Argentina. Full-back Davide Santon is out until mid November with a knee injury, whilst youngster Rolando Aarons is also out until November with a hamstring strain. Attacker Siem De Jong is out until December with a thigh injury whilst Steven Taylor (ACL) and Curtis Good (groin) are out for the foreseeable future.
Interesting Facts
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Despite being bottom of the league, Newcastle have created an average of 11 chances per game compared to Stoke’s 10.80. Suggesting that both are struggling in front of goal with their clinicality.
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Newcastle have outscored Stoke at least with the North East side netting five times to Stoke’s four.
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The Magpies have also shaded the total shots competition with Pardew’s side taking 75 shots to Stoke’s 73 so far this season.
- However, Stoke have been far more dominant in the air than Newcastle. The Potters have won 59.02% of their aerial duels compared to Newcastle’s 47.31%.
Key Men
Ryan Shawcross
Ryan Shawcross has always been one of the most highly regarded defenders around the midtable mark of the Premier League. The aggressive and powerful defender has been one of Stoke’s best players since they became a top tier club and the Englishman is once again leading Stoke City in terms of performance.
Shawcross has won 80% of his headed duels so far this season, which is a fantastic figure to be putting in, especially against foes such as Vincent Kompany and Edin Dzeko – two players Shawcross has already faced this season. When you couple his headed duels with the rest of his 50-50s, Shawcross continues to impress with a win rate of 71.74%. The strong centre-back also registers two interceptions per game on average as well as 1.40 blocks per 90 minutes.
Stoke will look to his leadership to get the better of Newcastle.
Joan Gouffran
Gouffran hasn’t enjoyed the best start to the season, like Newcastle, but there’s been enough in his performances to suggest he could get back to form soon enough. The Frenchman has completed an impressive 50% of his take-ons so far this season and has created an average of 1.32 chances per game for his teammates.
Unfortunately, Newcastle haven’t been so bright as a team and of the six chances that have been created by Gouffran, only one has resulted in an assist for the French player. One thing is for certain, Newcastle need to keep giving him the ball because he’s definitely one of the players that can produce something for Pardew’s side. If he can possibly take a couple more shots from inside the box then I’m sure he can produce the goods for the Magpies.
Prediction
This one is hard to call because Newcastle showed a decent amount of fight in the last game against Hull City – coming back to grab a draw at St. James’ Park. However, I don’t think they’ll do that well this time. The Britannia Stadium is not an easy place to go especially when you’re out of form like Newcastle are. I think this game will be 2-1, and I’ll be using TailorBet.com to bet on that! Easy money people.
