Newcastle United need to rediscover winning feeling at Stoke

Stoke City and Newcastle United both sit in mid-table but are in danger of slipping down into the relegation places so it would be perfect time for both to pick up some form.

Newcastle are in tenth but only five points clear of West Ham in 18th spot and they need to turnaround recent form that has seen them win only one of their last nine matches, with bookmakers pricing them as 11/4 outsiders to win this game.

It is not all doom and gloom for Toon fans as five of their last eight matches has been draws, but too many matches has been drawn and if they had converted more one-point hauls into three then they would be safe and looking to qualify for the Europa League.

Things do not look easy for Newcastle as six of their remaining eight matches are against rival teams fighting against the drop, and Stoke City is a renowned tough place to visit as the passionate Britannia Stadium crowd will get behind their team.

Tony Pulis's men have won five of their last six matches at home and are 5/4 to win on Saturday. They are likely be looking to rely on their home form to keep them safe as they themselves are only three points above the bottom three.

It has been their form on the road, with six consecutive defeats, that has compounded them but the Potters will fancy their chances of getting all three points against Alan Pardew's team.

Stephen Ireland could finally make his debut for Newcastle after arriving on-loan from Aston Villa back in January, now he seems to have finally recovered from knee and hip problems.

His return could come at the right time as Joey Barton is struggling with a thigh strain and will need fitness test. Elsewhere, Ryan Taylor is suspended, Jose Enrique and Jose Gutierrez look set to miss out, and both Hatem Ben Arfa and Alan Smith remain out injured long-term.

For Stoke, flying wingers Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant look likely to recover from injuries to play and Pulis could stick with Asmir Begovic after the goalkeeper impressed as they progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend.

Stoke beat Newcastle 2-1 at St James Park back in September and are likely to play their usual physical style on Saturday, with the Magpies defence set to come under massive pressure from long balls and long throws.

The home team should come into the game with some confidence, knowing they are ruthless at home and having just booked a trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals.

Stoke can climb ahead of Newcastle if they get the win on Saturday, but Pardew will be looking to get three points to take them even closer to that magical '40-point' barrier that should ensure safety.