FA Cup 16/1/2008 - Newcastle vs Stoke

Given that this live commentary and play by play will be held at Newcastle's home ground against Stoke in the FA Cup, it should not come as a surprise that most would believe Newcastle to win comfortably despite their problems. However, the news is that Newcastle have even more problems for this match and that's speaking a lot considering how they got absolutely buried at Old Trafford over the weekend. Caretaker manager Nigel Pearson has virtually half the first team out through injury, suspension or unavailability due to the African Nations Cup. Included among the usual stalwarts missing are Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, Ab Faye, Geremi and Martins. However, it might not make much of a difference seeing how the team struggled even with these players included.

Stoke did well in forcing a draw in the first meeting against Newcastle, and it was seen during the live match telecast that they caused Newcastle all sorts of problems and were unlucky not to cause a major upset. However, tonight might see them get that chance again and it would be an even bigger result due to Stoke playing away, even if Newcastle is currently engulfed in a major crisis.