Source: Daily_Mail
Stoke are just like Wimbledon says Newcastle boss Alan Pardew
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has labelled Stoke City the Barclays Premier League's modern day Crazy Gang.[LNB]And the former Crystal Palace player, who was familiar with the Wimbledon of the 80s and 90s, insists the comparison is not an insult to Tony Pulis' team.[LNB]Pardew takes his threadbare Newcastle side to the Britannia Stadium looking for a victory which will quell any fears about becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.[LNB] Direct: Stoke City's strength is undoubtedly the power and height... much like the Wimbledon side of the 90s[LNB]The Newcastle boss, who hopes to have Joey Barton and Jose Enrique fit for duty, knows his players face one of their most difficult away days in the Premier League.[LNB]Pardew said: 'I can compare them to Wimbledon because that was my era and ironically when I was a player we always won against the Crazy Gang, which is why I can speak about them in glowing terms.[LNB]In Fashan-u: Wimbledon were the neutrals favourites in the 90s[LNB]'Being compared to Wimbledon is no slight on them. Speak to any Wimbledon player and they will say the same. They were brilliant at what they did and had great flair players in there like Dennis Wise but their height and presence is their real power.[LNB]'I have no problem with that comparison and I don't think Tony has. I think what Tony has a problem with is people assuming it is not good football and I do appreciate that. What they do is brilliant. [LNB]'It brings something to the Premier League - a different flavour which is what makes the Premier League brilliant. If you go to Spain you will never see a team play like Stoke.'[LNB]Enrique is struggling with a hamstring injury and if the Spanish defender is ruled out, Pardew may turn to youngster Shane Ferguson for his debut. [LNB]The Newcastle boss, who was forced to use Ferguson against Everton a fortnight ago, has no worries about turning to youth, but also knows the entire Newcastle side will have to handle the pressure at Stoke.[LNB]He added: 'That long throw that Delap has makes it very difficult for you not to have some sort of plan not to deal with it. You can't just go out there and expect your team to deal with something like that.[LNB] Walking wounded: Newcastle United are down to the bare bones for the trip to Stoke[LNB]'It is honed, it is worked on and it is very competent. You have to be able to cope with that. What you can do it dictate the pressure of the game and I think that is key because when that stadium is full, with the noise it makes and the way they play, if they exert too much pressure then one of those set-plays is going to cost you.[LNB]'Tony and his team have had to put up with some criticism but what they do is within the laws of the game and they do it well. You have to be able to accept that and cope with it.[LNB]'I do feel the referee needs to be strong because the crowd can have a huge influence there. The referee - and I can say this because I wasn't involved - was poor when they played West Ham last week.'[LNB] Stoke v NEWCASTLE: Barton faces late fitness test ahead of Potters clashKinnear: Magpies fans always hated me because I'm a 'cockney'Northern Exposure: Forget Welbeck... Sunderland fans will be keen to greet CarrollAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinionAll the latest Stoke news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Tony Pulis, Joey Barton Places: Newcastle, Spain
