Source: SKY_Sports
Stoke v Newcastle preview
Three precious points will be at stake when Stoke entertain struggling Newcastle on Saturday.[LNB] The Potters have moved into 13th in the Premier League on the back of a productive recent run, but will not feel safe just yet.[LNB]They have taken 11 points from their last six fixtures to pull six points clear of the drop zone but, with seven games of the season remaining, they could easily be dragged back into the basement battle.[LNB]Any hopes they have of avoiding that fate could rest on their home form, with the Britannia Stadium proving to be something of a happy hunting ground this season.[LNB]Tony Pulis' side have tasted defeat on just three occasions in front of their own supporters and have taken eight victories from their 15 fixtures.[LNB]They have, however, failed to score in five of their last six home meetings with Newcastle in all competitions and will be keen to buck that trend this weekend.[LNB]Their cause will be helped by the fact that the Magpies have struggled on their travels this term.[LNB]Just two successes away from St James' Park has contributed to a dismal season which could yet result in relegation.[LNB]Alan Shearer's recent arrival as manager until the end of the season is intended to raise morale, but the legendary former striker has his work cut out if he is to lead the North East giants to safety.[LNB]Newcastle have won only one of their last 13 top-flight fixtures and have slipped into the drop zone as a result.[LNB]They have managed only three goals in their last six outings and are now three points adrift of Sunderland in 17th place.[LNB]No worriesStoke will have a virtually fully fit squad from which to choose this weekend.[LNB]Salif Diao has been struggling with a groin strain of late, but the Senegalese midfielder could come back into contention on Saturday.[LNB]The only long-term absentee still unavailable to Pulis is striker Mamady Sidibe, who continues to nurse a knee problem.[LNB]Bassong boostNewcastle could have defender Sebastien Bassong back for the crucial trip to the Potteries.[LNB]The Frenchman has returned to training after the groin injury which kept him out of last weekend's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea.[LNB]However, Steven Taylor (ankle) and Jose Enrique (knee) have already been ruled out, as has attacker Peter Lovenkrands, who was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties as the result of a chest infection during Saturday's game.[LNB]Teenage striker Nile Ranger is included in the squad, while Joey Barton (fractured metatarsal) and Mark Viduka (Achilles) are expected to return to full training next week.[LNB]Possible starting XIsStoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Lawrence, Delap, Whelan, Etherington, Fuller, Beattie.[LNB]Newcastle: Harper, Ryan Taylor, Beye, Coloccini, Bassong, Gutierrez, Nolan, Butt, Duff, Owen, Martins.[LNB]
