Newcastle vs Stoke preview: Steve McClaren's side hope to bounce back after derby day defeat

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St James' Park

Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Fabricio Coloccini: The Newcastle United captain will play against Stoke after having his one-match ban overturned by the FA after his controversial sending off in last week’s Tyne-Wear derby. Steve McLaren’s side have looked frail at the back all season and have the joint worst defensive record in the top flight. They face a Stoke side boasting five wins in their last six and Coloccini will need to be back to his best if the hosts can record a first home clean sheet since May.

Best stat…

3

Stoke haven’t conceded in their last three games away from the Britannia Stadium in all competitions, a fourth consecutive clean sheet would mark the first time they’d achieved the feat since 2004. 

Remember when…

Stoke City were reduced to nine-men as they suffered a 5-1 defeat at St James’ Park on Boxing Day in 2013. Oussama Assaidi gave them a first-half lead with a wonderful curling strike that turned out to be as good as it got for the visitors. Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson were sent-off within five minutes of each other and Newcastle took full advantage.

Player to watch…

Georginio Wijnaldum: The Dutch international has been in excellent form of late, scoring six times in his previous six games for club and country, including four goals in a memorable 6-2 win against Norwich City a fortnight ago. A win against Stoke will pull Newcastle out of the relegation zone and expect Wijnaldum to play a major part if they are to record a positive result on Saturday.

Past three-meetings…

Newcastle United 1 (Colback) Stoke City 1 (Crouch)
Premier League, February 2015

Stoke City 1 (Crouch) Newcastle United 0
Premier League, September 2014

Stoke City 1 (Pieters) Newcastle United 0
Premier League, April 2014

Form guide…

Newcastle United: LLDLWL

Stoke City: WWWWLW*

(* = won on penalties after draw in normal time)

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday, 31 October

TV: Highlights on BBC1 from 10.25pm