Stoke's date with the Toon Army

One benefit (if a little dubious) of a being the last match to play over the weekend is that at least we know what everyone else has done. So a win tomorrow in Geordie-land will push us out of the relegation zone and even propel us past Liverpool - how's that for an odd turn of events? Defeat? Don't even go there...

TP is hoping that Kenwyne Jones' return to the North-East will push him on to his 4th goal in 4 consecutive matches and seems to be eyeing up a possible strike partnership with his fellow Caribbean, Ricardo Fuller.

'I thought the two of them looked good together' he told the official site after Tuesday's cup win. 'Ric played ever so well and worked his socks off. I am sure that Kenwyne's presence will bring the best of him and they could be quite a partnership'

Newcastle have made a good, but inconsistent, return to the Premier League - seeing off Villa to the tune of six goals in their first home match, but then falling to a 2-0 defeat at home to Blackpool. They would have been buoyed by that amazing 4-3 cup win at Stamford Bridge in midweek and will be tough opposition in front of the Toon Army.

Keeper, Steve Harper is out for several months after sustaining a shoulder injury and so Tim Krul will make his first Premier League start.

Ameobi was less than impressive when he spent the last few weeks of our promotion season on loan at the Brit, but he's had a good week with two goals against Chelsea and will be hoping for a start against the Potters

Tony Pulis will be hoping that Jermaine Pennant has shrugged off the hamstring problem that he picked up against West Ham last week. Thomas Sorensen is likely to return in goal after Asmir Begovic deputised in midweek. Eidur Gudjohnsen seems to be still off full fitness and is likely to be sitting on the bench again.

Can he make it four goals out of four? We'll be hoping so and he's likely to get some stick from the Toon Army after his recent move from their arch rivals down the coast which which will just fan the flames.

Mike Jones

Saturday 2nd October: Blackburn (home) kick-off: 3pm
Saturday 16th October: Bolton (away) kick-off: 3pm

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