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Match Facts & Stats - Stoke v NUFC
By Tyne-Talk January 6 2008
Stoke go into this 3rd Round FA Cup tie at the Britannia Stadium not having lost in their last 6 games whereas Newcastle United have won just 2 of their last 6. Whilst Newcastle have won 2, lost 3 and drawn 1, Stoke City have won 2 and drawn 4.

Despite only taking 1 point in the last 12 available to them Newcastle United have looked an improved side over the last week of so. Michael Owen is due to star the match, his first start since being injured once again on international duty.

With confidence low this is a must win match for Sam Allardyce and his team, the pressure is on and with a forthcoming trip to Old Trafford to look forward too they need a boost.

Stoke however have successfuly managed 10 league games without defeat, manager Tony Pulis spoke ahead of todays clash.

"There is an incredible amount of expectation from Newcastle fans on Sam's shoulders and it's a measure of his task when you consider Newcastle sacked Sir Bobby Robson after finishing fourth, third and then fifth in the Premiership in his final three seasons there.

I know the media machine is much more feverish these days, but surely people in boardrooms must see sense and recognize that people like Sam need and deserve time to stamp themselves on a new club.

There's no way Sunday's result should cost him his job. I don't think anyone will be worried by a big crowd and the TV cameras because there's absolutely no pressure on us. I'll simply be telling the lads to go out there, work hard and enjoy themselves and then, hopefully, the rest will follow.

We are under no illusion about the task ahead. Newcastle may not be happy with their results at the moment, but they are still a team full of quality and experience."

Stoke have both Andy Wilkinson and Ricardo Fuller returning to the fold, but they will still be without Dominic Matteo, Rory Delap and Salif Diao.

Newcastle will see Beye, Geremi and Faye make their last appearences before travelling to the African Cup of Nations whilst Obefami Martins will not appear. Michael Owen is set for his first start since returning for injury and hopefully his refound fitness will be the flair that this Newcastle side need.

Big Sam is under no illusion that tonights match will be an easy win:

"Now it's three defeats on the trot and pressure grows. They will fancy it now won't they? They will think we are there for the taking. We have got to stick together and believe that how we can play can get us out of trouble. That starts at Stoke.

They are a good side and they are doing extremely well in the Championship, it won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination."

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