Newcastle United pulled off shock by beating Chelsea 4-3 at Stamford Bridge which was an incredible result and again one that nobody expected or could have predicted. Newcastle roared back to lead 3-1 before slipping back to 3-3 with just minutes to go. But, the Geordie side had one last trick left, and made it 4-3 just before the final whistle to register a fantastic win. Now they`re at home to Stoke. Surely they win, right? This team is capable of great things, that much I know. The 6-0 spanking of Aston Villa here is proof enough of that. But, as they showed here against Blackpool, they`re capable of frustrating their Toon Army too. Having not lost at home in their season in the Championship, they have already lost, and to the kind of opposition they would have expected to beat. It`s a tough one here.
Solid
Stoke are now 17th, but have a creditable close loss to Chelsea 2-1, and a win against Aston Villa. They`re a tough side, and you can be sure Tony Pulis` side will fight hard in this match. Newcastle are a wobbly side that could get thumped just as well as mete out the punishment, so they will want to be well placed to take advantage of any slip ups. Kenwyn Jones, the newest acquisition by the club is reaping rewards, as he has scored in all 3 of his matches so far. I`d keep an eye on him and a bet on him to score at any time is well worth it, in my opinion. Also in the side is Jermaine Pennant, the ex Arsenal/Liverpool player, and most will be familiar with the kind of service he is able to provide.
Fight
The last time these two were Premier League sides, Newcastle United and Stoke City shared two hard fought draws, 2-2 in this fixture and 1-1 at Stoke and in our mind that looks a likely a scenario again this time. I have no idea which way this could go, as both sides are capable of springing a surprise, or having one sprung on them. So I`ll go with neither defence to hold out for the whole match.
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Prediction:
Tip: Both to score
Odd: 1.83
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 8 /10
Tipster: Kather
