Premier League preview and odds: Newcastle United vs. Stoke City

Published on: 29/10/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Newcastle United vs. Stoke City

October 31, 2015 15:00pm St James Park

Premier League

Newcastle have a hapless Aston Villa team to thank for keeping them off the bottom of the Premier League table. They now play host to a Stoke City side that have won five of their last six matches in all competitions. Toon still out of tune

Newcastle United fans may have thought that their luck was changing when they watched their team put six goals past Norwich to record their first won of the season a fortnight ago. Unfortunately, the cloud of doom was blown back across Tyneside by bitter rivals Sunderland last weekend following a dismal 3-0 defeat that contained more than a hint of controversy.

Captain Fabricio Coloccini was dismissed for a challenge in the penalty area that ultimately led to Sunderlands first goal. Many observers felt that the decision may have been harsh considering the soft nature of the challenge and the fact that the goalkeeper was favourite to claim the ball. The decision changed the course of the game and the Geordies were easily beaten in the end. Toon boss Steve McClaren now faces the difficult task of lifting his side ahead of this weekends clash against Stoke City.

Potters stung by Hornets

Stoke City dropped points for the first time in three games when they went down 0-2 at home to tricky customers Watford at the Britannia Stadium last week. The tenacity of the newly-promoted team proved too much for the Potters who were undone by a goal in each half.

It was the first loss in five games for Mark Hughes team who were last beaten by Arsenal back in September. That defeat at the Emirates was Stoke Citys only loss in five games on the road this term. They will be hoping to continue their impressive away form against one of the leagues crisis clubs this weekend.

Team news Newcastle continue to nurse a number of long-term absentees including Jack Colback who re-joined the sick list last weekend. Fabio Coloccini will be missing through suspension after the decision to show him a red card against Sunderland was upheld on appeal.

Meanwhile, Stokes injury woes have eased slightly with Marc Muniesa the only confirmed absentee this week. Bojan Krkic and Geoff Cameron are currently on the doubtful list. Recent form (League)

Newcastle United: LWWWD

Stoke City: WDWLD

Betting odds and tips

Only Arsenal have taken all three points from the travelling Potters during the current campaign making the 11/5 for an away win with Betvictor look like great value.

Published on: 29/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (29/10/2015 17:11:19) but are subject to change.