Stoke

Stoke City V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 4 February 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Sunderland’s miraculous revival under Martin O’Neill continued on Wednesday with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Norwich City at the Stadium of Light. Now the Northern Irishman takes his purring Black Cats to the Brittania Stadium to face a Stoke side whose recent form has been indifferent to say the least, with only one win from their previous seven league outings, but do, however, boast a flawless record in this fixture.

In the space of two months, Martin O’Neill has transformed Sunderland’s fortunes dramatically. He inherited a team who were hovering precariously above the relegation zone, with only two wins to their name after fourteen league games. Now he finds himself at the helm of a club who are eighth in the league, having already reached the 30-point milestone which usually ensures survival, and still alive in the FA Cup – albeit having to face local rivals Middlesbrough in a fourth-round replay.

Wednesday’s rout of Norwich on Wearside was Sunderland’s latest impressive display, their sixth win in nine Premier League games under O’Neill. Stephane Sessegnon and Fraizer Campbell with the goals, with both players enjoying purple patches at present – the former has three in his last four league starts while Campbell has two in two games, this after a 17-month lay-off because of injury.

Martin O’Neill will demand more of the same from his in-form attacking duo, as Sunderland look to torment a Stoke side suffering from a lack of form and devoid of any momentum – as they did at the Stadium of Light back in September, when winning 4-0. Of course, Stoke could place some of the blame for that horrendous showing on the fact they were involved in European football the preceding Thursday. They’ll meet on more favourable terms this time.

Having said that, a 2-0 loss at Manchester United in midweek was the Potters’ second in quick succession in the league, following a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to West Brom – though there was a 2-0 triumph at Derby in the fourth-round of the FA Cup sandwiched in between. Furthermore, not since Tottenham were overhauled on 11 December have Stoke been victorious in a Premier League fixture at the Brittania Stadium, going their last three home games without a win.

However, Stoke do have an impressive record when it comes to hosting this fixture. Last season they prevailed 3-2 thanks to Robert Huth’s stoppage-time winner, their third consecutive victory at home to Sunderland in the Premier League, after 1-0 triumphs in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Should they make it four in a row then Stoke would climb above Sunderland into 8TH, with the pair sat side-by-side in the table, level on 30-points.

Match Pointers

Head-to-Head

Last League Meeting: Sunderland 4-0 Stoke; 18 September, 2011. Goals from Titus Bramble, Jonathan Woodgate (OG), Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson sealed a comfortable 4-0 success for Sunderland, with Stoke feeling the affects of their Europa League commitments on the Thursday.

- Stoke are targeting their fifth consecutive league victory at home to Sunderland, whose last away win over the Potters dates back to November 2004.

- Sunderland took the lead twice on their most recent venture to the Brittania (5 February, 2011), but it was Robert Huth who popped up with a late winner for Stoke in the dying embers of the game as the hosts prevailed 3-2.

Stoke

- Stoke (League Position: 9TH; Form: DWDLL) have won only one of their previous seven Premier League matches (W1 D3 L3), during which they’ve failed to even score on four occasions.

- The Potters have failed to win any of their last three league matches at home (D2 L1), losing 2-1 to West Brom last time out at the Brittania.

- All five of Jonathan Walter’s Premier League goals this season were netted at the Brittania Stadium, three of which coming from the penalty spot.

Sunderland

- Only Manchester United (18) have taken more points from their last eight Premier League games than Sunderland (16), who have lost just one of their previous seven (W5 D1 L1).

- Sunderland have shipped just seven goals in their last nine league games, keeping clean sheets in each of their last two, at home to Norwich (3-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- The Black Cats have gone nine Premier League away games without drawing.

- Playmaker Stephane Sessegnon has two goals in his last two Premier League starts; three in his last four.

Betting

Prediction: Draw @ 12/5 (SkyBet)

On current form, Sunderland are incredibly enticing at 13/5 to record their third straight league win. However, the Brittania Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for those Black Cats, with Stoke boasting a 100% record in the Premier League with three wins out of three on their own patch. A fourth would seem unlikely though, seeing as the Potters have won only once in their last seven league outings – a 2-1 win at third from bottom Blackburn – losing their most recent match at the Brittania 2-1 to West Brom.

Rarely do Stoke lose successive home games, nor can I recall the last time Sunderland went and won three on the spin in the league. I’m not sure either will occur on Saturday. Losing Wes Brown for two months is a huge blow for Sunderland, as his experience and presence in defence would have benefited them greatly in combating Stoke’s aerial and physical prowess, but they have two forwards in fantastic form and I reckon they’ll ground out a result here.

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) @ 9/1 (StanJames)

I was going to tip Stephane Sessegnon to continue his rich vein of scoring form, as he’s a player at the top of his game right now. However, I don’t think there will be too many goals – Stoke aren’t prolific wherever they play their football, while Sunderland, despite scoring three at QPR and four at Wigan recently, have only conjured 13 away goals all season.

Match Odds

Stoke – 5/4 (Boylesports)

Draw – 12/5 (SkyBet)

Sunderland – 13/5 (BetVictor)

The 2011-12 FA Cup has reached the fourth round stage and while there is a disappointing shortage of lower league clubs left in the tournament, the draw has thrown up some mouthwatering contests to be played from Friday 27 through to Sunday 29 January.

With six all-Premiership ties and not a non-league side in sight, shocks will be few and far between over the course of the round. But the quality of the ties more than makes up for the distinct lack of underdogs, with Liverpool V Manchester United and QPR V Chelsea just some which catch the eye.

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Blackpool V Sheffield Wednesday (15:00 GMT)

Ian Holloway’s Blackpool were eliminated at only the third round stage in last season’s tournament, bowing out to League One opposition in the form of Southampton. They could suffer a similar fate at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday this weekend, who like Southampton are also going well in the third tier and head into the tie full of confidence.

Wednesday sit prominently in fourth in League One, level on points with the automatic promotion places after a comfortable 3-1 success at Scunthorpe on Tuesday. On the back of their midweek triumph, Gary Megson’s side will take a lot of confidence and momentum into Saturday’s Bloomfield Road contest, where a Blackpool team who thumped non-league Fleetwood Town 5-1 in the previous round reside. But if you thought that performance was impressive, how about Wednesday dumping out West Ham United at Hillsborough – the current leaders of Blackpool’s division, the Championship.

Key Stat: Blackpool have lost just twice at home all season, whereas five of Sheff Wed’s six league defeats this term were suffered on the road.

Match Odds: Blackpool 10/11, Draw 13/5, Sheff Wed 10/3 (BetVictor)

Bolton Wanderers V Swansea City

This all-Premier League meeting genuinely could go either way, as the betting suggests. Hosts Bolton are tentative 6/4 favourites, thanks largely to the fact they’re at home and possibly because they comprehensively defeated Liverpool at The Reebok last Saturday. And with one away win all term, I suppose Swansea were always going to be underdogs in this tie.

Bolton were exceptional against Liverpool in their last match, capitalising on what was a lethargic performance from the visitors, who undoubtedly had one eye on their midweek Carling Cup clash with Man City. There is unlikely to be the same complacency from Swansea, though, who sit eight-points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, which is where Bolton have spent most of the campaign thus far, and scored four times at Barnsley in the third round with striker Danny Graham netting three.

The visitors do appeal at 7/4; they retain possession so well and find themselves up against a team who have spent virtually the entire season so far languishing inside the Premier League relegation zone, and whom have the leakiest defence in the top flight.

Key Stat: Bolton have lost 8 of 11 Premier League home games this season, but Swansea have only been victorious on one occasion away from home against top flight opposition (0-2 Aston Villa).

Match Odds: Bolton 6/4, Draw 23/10, Swansea 7/4 (Bet365)

Derby County V Stoke City

Stoke made it all the way to final last season, before eventually losing the show-piece 1-0 to Manchester City. Emulating that successful forage will be a great deal harder second time around, especially if the draw continues to throw up testing assignment like this. A trip to Pride Park will not be straightforward for Tony Pulis & Co.

As you would expect, Stoke are the favourites. I wouldn’t want to be on them though, not at those odds and certainly not on current form. Their 2-1 home defeat to West Brom last time out meant it’s now one win in six Premier League games for the Potters, while they weren’t entirely convincing in despatching of Gillingham in the last round. They are also notoriously poor travellers, despite going three unbeaten away from home – including an impressive 0-0 draw away to Liverpool.

Furthermore, Derby are in splendid form. Rams boss Nigel Clough has witnessed his side go their last six unbeaten in all competitions, a run which did include five consecutive victories before a creditable 0-0 draw away to Burnley last weekend. They’ve also concede just once during this impressive run, winning four by the clinical score of 1-0.

A 1-0 home win has obvious appeal therefore at 9/1 (PaddyPower), especially with Stoke plundering the fewest number of away goals in the top flight this season (just 8 from their 11 outing so far).

Key Stat: Derby are unbeaten in six, winning five, whereas Stoke have mustered two wins from their previous seven (W2 D3 L2).

Match Odds: Derby 5/2, Draw 23/10, Stoke 11/10 (StanJames)

Hull City V Crawley Town

FA Cup romantics simply could not get enough of Crawley last season. Steve Evans’ Red Devils had to negotiate five rounds before finally seeing their efforts rewarded in the form of a fifth round tie with Manchester United, the most successful club in FA Cup history. Their experience of Old Trafford was one everyone involved with the club will savour forever, and was perhaps even the catalyst for a successful promotion push from the Conference National division, which they won at a cantor.

Now, as a member of the Football League, Crawley are bidding to repeat their giant-killing heroics and must overhaul a team who ply their trade two divisions above them if they’re to reach the fifth round for the second consecutive year. Confidence should be fairly high, with the team currently sat second in League Two, and had this been at home they might well of been favourites. But they’re not, and that could prove problematic for a team who have drawn four on the spin away from home in the league, against teams nowhere near the calibre of their fourth round opponents.

Nick Barmby has enjoyed a dream start to life as Hull City manager, winning seven of his first ten games in charge – four of five at the KC Stadium. He also runs a very tight ship in defence, one that has yet to concede two or more goals in a game under his tutelage, so a clinical display from the home side should see them come out on top for the fourth match in a row.

Key Stat: Hull have won four of their last five matches at the KC Stadium, but Crawley are without defeat in ten away from home.

Match Odds: Hull 4/5, Draw 5/2, Crawley 7/2 (WilliamHill)

Leicester City V Swindon Town

League Two high-flyers Swindon are 6/1 underdogs in their match with Championship side Leicester at the King Power Stadium, this in spite of the fact Paulo Di Canio’s men dumped out Wigan Athletic in the third round after a come-from-behind victory over the Premier League outfit. Value? Based on their prolific form in the competition thus far, I would say so.

Swindon, who have lost only once in 22 games since the beginning of October, have been awesome up till now. Successive 4-0 victories away to Plymouth (League Two) and at home to Huddersfield (chasing promotion in League One) set up a third round clash with Premier League Wigan, who were also no match for Di Canio’s imperious charges as The Robins overcame a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 at The Country Ground. All they need to complete a remarkable set of scalps is one from the Championship…

Leicester required a replay in order to book their place in the fourth round, although they did so with some style in the end, putting four past Nottingham Forest without reply in a 4-0 home success. They then followed that emphatic win up with a 2-0 triumph away to Southampton, who sit second in the Championship. In this vein of form, the Foxes may well devour The Robins.

Key Stat: Swindon have lost one of their last 22 matches in all competitions; meanwhile, Leicester have won only one of their previous five at home.

Match Odds: Leicester 1/2, Draw 3/1, Swindon 6/1 (Ladbrokes)

Millwall V Southampton

Finalists back in 2003, Southampton are wasting very little time bringing the good times back to St Mary’s. Promotion to the Premier League is on the cards after a scintillating start to the season, with Nigel Adkin’s men occupying second in the Championship with a little over half of the term played, although his team have come right off the boil in recent weeks, winning just two of their previous eight league games in a run which has seen them relinquish top spot to West Ham.

Just two weeks ago Millwall were spanked 6-0 by Birmingham on their own patch. Their response was to thumped Dagenham 5-0 in their FA Cup third round replay, also at The Den, before going to Barnsley in the league and winning 3-1. That makes it two wins on the spin for Kenny Jackett’s team, who do unfortunately hover precariously above the Championship relegation zone, 21 points worse off than Southampton.

They sit at opposite ends of the table, but will that show? Considering Southampton were only 1-0 winners when the sides met at St Mary’s back on August 20, 2010 perhaps not especially as it’s Millwall who go into the tie with the momentum – they’ve won two on the spin whereas Southampton were beaten 2-0 at home by Leicester earlier in the week.

Key Stat: Millwall haven’t recorded a win over Southampton for almost 23-years, failing in their previous nine attempts.

Match Odds: Millwall 15/8, Draw 12/5, Southampton 6/4 (BetVictor)

Sheffield United V Birmingham City

An intriguing clash this, between two former Premier League sides. I actually make Birmingham the favourites, despite Sheffield United boasting home advantage at Bramall Lane.

Chris Hughton’s Blues are flying at the minute, winning their last four matches on the spin which inludes a 1-0 win away to Midlands rivals Wolves in their third round FA Cup replay. Either side of that derby success were emphatic league wins as well, first away to Millwall (0-6) before putting Watford to the sword at home (3-0). So they’ll no no shortage of confidence in the Birmingham camp, that’s for sure.

The same applies to United, too, who are third in League One and are kept out of the automatic promotion spots on goal difference alone. They’ve also won a staggering eleven of their last thirteen in all competitions, winning eight on the spin at Bramall Lane, doing so by an aggregate of 22-5. But Birmingham are far leaner than any opposition they have faced all season., although the Blades have won three of the previous four meetings in Sheffield.

Key Stat: Sheffield United are seeking a ninth consecutive home win; however, Birmingham are on a run of four straight victories.

Match Odds: Sheffield United 8/5, Draw 12/5, Birmingham 8/5 (SkyBet)

Stevenage V Notts County

The draw for the fifth round is guaranteed to include at least one club from League One, which is a good thing, as come the draw Stevenage or Notts Country could be the lowest ranked team left in the competition. However, correctly predicting who will make the cut is excruciatingly difficult.

On current form, Stevenage are sure-fire winners. The club are under new management, with 43-year-old former Colorado Rapids manager (Major League Soccer) Gary Smith replacing Graham Westley, but that did not stop them from recording a 4-2 victory over promotion rivals MK Dons on Tuesday – a result which stretched their unbeaten run to four, having lost the one solitary game since October 8, 2011 (W12 D5 L1).

It is the complete opposite at Notts County, who began the season so well but have fallen so dramatically by the wayside from December onwards. Their 0-0 draw with Preston in midweek extend their winless run in the league to eight games, with their only successful outcome during an otherwise dismal month of football being a 2-0 victory at Doncaster in the third round of the FA Cup.

However, it was Notts County who prevailed when the two sides met for the very first time this season back in August – at Stevenage as well – with the Magpies winning 2-0 at Broadhall Way. Could a repeat be on the cards, or will an in-form Boro exact their revenge?

Key Stat: Notts County’s only win in nine was a 2-0 win at Doncaster in the previous round of this competition, while they were also 2-0 winners over Stevenage in the corresponding fixture back in August.

West Bromwich Albion V Norwich City

Just four points separate them in the Barclay’s Premier League, so one expects there won’t be a great deal to choose between them come full-time at The Hawthorns – as was the case when they clashed at this very ground precisely two weeks ago, a contest that was won 2-1 by the visiting Canaries.

Out of instinct perhaps, bookmakers have installed West Brom as favourites here. I fail to see how they make a side who have not recorded a win at home over top flight opposition in over two months favourites, especially one that has plundered the fewest number of goals on home soil (8, which is less than a goal per game).

Norwich are one of seven teams to have gone to The Hawthorns and won this season, so you’re getting tremendous value on a team who know exactly what it takes to beat the Baggies in their own backyard. Paul Lambert’s men are also in decent form; they’ve lost just one of their last eight top flight fixtures and are currently unbeaten in their last four, which does include back-to-back away wins at QPR and West Brom.

Both teams racked up four goals in the third round, though it was Norwich who produced the more accomplished performance. The Canaries were 4-1 winners at home to Burnley, who were in good form themselves at the time, whereas West Brom edged out Cardiff 4-2 (the final scoreline did flatter Roy Hodgson and his team). This could boil down to which manager fancies it more, as I suspect both Roy Hodgson and Paul Lambert could make several changes to the teams that faced each other a fortnight ago.

Key Stat: Norwich have won more times away from home in the Premier League this season than West Brom have at The Hawthorns, scoring almost twice as many goals to boot (15 away compared with West Brom’s 8 at home).

Match Odds: West Brom 19/20, Draw 11/4, Norwich 13/5 (WilliamHill)

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FA Cup 2011-12 Outright Betting:

Chelsea – 9/2 (PaddyPower)

Manchester United – 6/1 (BetVictor)

Tottenham – 6/1 (StanJames)

Arsenal – 15/2 (Coral)

Liverpool – 10/1 (BetVictor)

Sunderland – 20/1 (Ladbrokes)

Newcastle – 20/1 (Ladbrokes)

Everton – 25/1 (StanJames)

Stoke – 28/1 (BetVictor)

Fulham – 40/1 (StanJames)

50/1 Bar The Rest

Liverpool V Stoke

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 14 January 2012 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Preview

Stoke fans don’t have much to complain about these days; this is their fourth successive season in the Premier League, last May they were at Wembley competing for the FA Cup with Manchester City, while next month will see them host Spanish hot shots Valencia in the Last-32 of the UEFA Europa League. Yet, if there was one small complaint it would be their lack of a famous victory at one of the country’s most revered venues.

The chance to seize the moment and record a win that would forever go down in club folklore will present itself on Saturday, when Stoke pay a buoyant Liverpool a visit at one of the most iconic grounds in English football – Anfield. History will tell you they have no chance, with no Potters victory on Merseyside for almost half a century, but Stoke have been a problematic opponent for Liverpool in recent times, as recently as September in actual fact, when Tony Pulis’ men recorded a 1-0 win at The Brittania.

Away from their fortress however, Stoke remain largely unreliable. It was their Achilles heel last season, playing away from home, winning just three of nineteen away matches all term, but they’ve shown vast improvement of late; their 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park on 2 January was their third away win in four, following up triumphs at Everton (0-1) and Wolves (1-2).

Still, Liverpool are a class above from those aforementioned teams who were recently put to the sword at home by Stoke, as they demonstrated in midweek by becoming only the second side in fourteen months to beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds are also one of only two teams in the Premier League still to lose a home league game this season, although four wins and six draws isn’t the sort of form one of Liverpool’s calibre can be boastful of.

Liverpool’s inability to put inferior opposition to the sword at home has without question been their Achilles heel. The likes of Blackburn, Norwich, Sunderland and Swansea have all left Anfield unscathed this season, making Kenny Dalglish’s team an automatic no-go at odds-on for most punters. Star man Luis Suarez is also still suspended, which is another huge negative considering the Reds have struggled in front of goal even with him in the team, although the Uruguayan’s loss can be compensated by the return of talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard.

He’s only been back five minutes but already Steven Gerrard’s contribution can be felt; it was his quality from the bench which helped Liverpool see off Newcastle in their last league game at Anfield, which they won 3-1, and it was his confidently-struck penalty against Man City in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final which handed his team the initiative heading back to Anfield for the second leg in two week’s time.

So, inspired by their performance during the week against the current Barclay’s Premier League leaders, you would like to think Liverpool will be too strong for Stoke. But then that should have been the case on so many occasions. Plus Stoke have tasted recent success on Merseyside, beating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park in December.

Match Pointers

- On the three occasions these two teams have clashed at Anfield in the Premier League, Liverpool have yet to lose, winning the last two, while Stoke have yet to score.

- In all competitions, Stoke have failed to record a win over Liverpool on Merseyside since 1959, when they won what must have been a 4-3 thriller in the Old Division Two – the Reds are unbeaten in 31 Anfield meetings since then, winning 28.

- Liverpool remain unbeaten on home soil this season with four wins and six draws, recording a 3-1 win over Newcastle in their last match at Anfield.

- The Reds saw their five-game streak without losing in the league diminish after losing 3-0 at Manchester City last time out – only their fourth reverse of the term (W9 D7 L4).

- Liverpool have scored one goal or fewer in seven of their ten home league games, although they have conceded a somewhat miserly 8 goals.

- Stoke have won five and lost only one of their previous eight Premier League matches (W5 D2 L1).

- The Potters are also targeting their fourth away win in five, having recorded wins at Everton (0-1), Wolves (1-2) and Blackburn (1-2) since the beginning of December.

- Away from home, though, Stoke have only mustered 8 goals, failing to score in four of ten away matches.

Betting

Is it wise to be backing Liverpool at 4/9 (General odds)? Perhaps not, certainly not in a singular bet. They’ve come unstuck against some really average teams at home; Blackburn and Norwich to name but a few, while we should also factor in just how much energy was exerted in their Carling Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday, in which they spent virtually the entire second half defending in their own half, chasing the ball.

Stoke, meanwhile, well they arrive in confident mood. They are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup after coming from behind to beat Gillingham, while it’s now three wins from four away from home after beating Blackburn 2-1 in their most recent league assignment. Potters boss Tony Pulis also has no fresh injuries or suspension so will pick from a full-strength squad.

Despite a turbulent couple of weeks, there is a buzz around Anfield. The return of their talisman, Steven Gerrard, has certainly lifted the mood on Merseyside, especially in the absence of fan-favourite Luis Suarez. They’ll also take an enormous amount of confidence and belief from their performance against Man City in midweek, which should set them up nicely as they bid to win for only the fifth time at Anfield in the league this season.

So, it’s a Liverpool win for me. They’re unlikely to blow Stoke away, mind. A 2-0 win is 2/1 with WilliamHill, while Steven Gerrard to open the scoring is 5/1 with PaddyPower. Both boast some form of appeal in a match the Reds have to be winning if they’re to keep in touch with the top-four.

Match Outcome: Liverpool to WIN – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Value Bet: 2-0 Liverpool (Correct Score) – 6/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Liverpool – 4/9 Ladbrokes

Draw – 7/2 Boylesports

Stoke – 15/2 PaddyPower

Stoke V Tottenham

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 11 December 2011 – 16:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Tottenham put their eleven-match unbeaten league run well and truly on the line when they visit the toughest of places in the Premier League on Sunday – Stoke’s Brittania Stadium. Chelsea and Manchester United could only muster draws there, while Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 defeat. How will Harry Redknapp’s imperious charges fare?

Judging by their scintillating run of form, having won ten and lost none of their previous eleven league matches, and with their record away to Stoke very encouraging indeed, winning on each of their previous two visits, you’d like to think Spurs will fare better than most at ‘Fortress Brittania’.

Then again, Stoke are now flying themselves. Their 1-0 win over Everton last weekend was their second in quick succession, to go with their comprehensive 3-1 win over Blackburn seven days earlier. As a result, the Potters have climbed back into the top half of the table.

An extremely difficult contest to call, not that the bookies see it the same way. A home win is as big as 3/1 with Totesport, which looks massive, with in-form Spurs a best priced 23/20 with WilliamHill to set a new club record by winning their fourth away match in a row in the Premier League. There has yet to be a draw between the two in the Premier League era, so feel free to take odds of 5/2 on that first.

Stoke City

League Position: 8th

League Form: LLLWW

Six points from their last two league games and Stoke are reacquainting themselves with the top half of the table, after back-to-back wins at home to Blackburn (3-1) and away at Everton (2-1). Now they face the team of the moment, a Tottenham side who’ve not lost a league game since August. So could Sunday bring about the end of their mini revival, having previously lost four on the spin before returning to winning ways?

So Stoke have their swagger back. Just as well, as Spurs will take some beating. The Brittania is a definite advantage though, where the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have come a cropper this season, in one form of another. Though shock defeats to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3) perhaps suggest fortress Brittania isn’t all it’s cracked up to be any more.

A trip to Turkey to face Besiktas in their final Europa League group game awaits the Potters on Wednesday, but with progress assured Tony Pulis can afford to pick as he pleases on Sunday, and name a weakened side during the week. This means Andy Wilkinson, Rory Delap and Jermaine Pennant could all be risked despite the trio carrying knocks. Peter Crouch will spearhead the attack against his former club, alongside Jonathan Walters who has netted all four of his Premier League goals this season at home.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson was stretched off at Goodison last week with concussion, but the Danish international is available and should retain his place in goal.

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 3rd

League Form: WWWWW

A trip to Stoke is a daunting prospect for most. Not for Tottenham, who on Sunday go seeking a third consecutive league win at the Brittania Stadium. Should they do so, Harry Redknapp will spend Sunday evening salivating over his side’s seventh straight Premiership win. It will also be a new club record for successive away wins (4). So then, is it really any wonder the mighty Spurs are now widely considered genuine title contenders?

Their start to the season has been breathtaking, as has their football at times, but on Sunday they’ll need to find a way to win ugly at Stoke if they’re to maintain their winning run. Last week’s comfortable home win against Bolton, with the final scoreline of 3-0 by no means a fair reflection on a game dominated from start to finish by the North Londoners, extended their winning streak to seven matches. A truly remarkable run for a club not renowned for their consistency.

It does bode well that they have won on each of their previous two visits to Stoke in the league, both 2-1 strangely enough, and at similarly challenging arenas this season as well. Wins at Blackburn, Fulham, West Brom, Wigan and Wolves may not look much but in years gone by, Spurs would not be winning those types of fixtures, certainly not one after the other. The fact Tottenham are no longer intimidated on their travels is actually a frightening thought, as back at White Hart Lane they are a real force to be reckoned with.

A hectic festive schedule will test some of the Spurs’ resolve, not that their fixtures are gruelling in any which way. Nevertheless, the number of games facing teams over Christmas and through to the New Year means managers may hold some of their key players back. Considering the physical nature of Stoke, Redknapp may decide to leave the fragile likes Ledley King, Rafael Van der Vaart and Jermaine Defoe out of Sunday’s starting line-up, with the trio rated doubtful because of various knocks and niggles. Gareth Bale is also carrying a knock, but you can’t leave the Welshman out of the side, not on current form.

Match Pointers

- Tottenham are on a three-match winning streak versus Stoke in the league, winning four of their six Premier League encounters overall (W4 D0 L2) including the last two staged at the Brittania Stadium.

- It has been a little over three months since Tottenham last recorded a loss in the Premier League, winning ten of their last eleven in an unbeaten sequence which has seen them climb to third in the table.

- Spurs are targeting their fourth away league win in a row on Sunday, at a ground where they’ve been victorious at in each of the previous two seasons.

- The North Londoners are also targeting a seventh straight Premier League victory.

- After losing four on the trot, Stoke are now searching for their third consecutive league win following wins over Blackburn (3-1) and at Everton (0-1).

- Jonathan Walters has scored all four of his Premier League goals this season at the Brittania.

Betting

On current form, it is almost impossible to oppose Tottenham. However, Stoke aren’t no ordinary side, particularly when they have the bit between their teeth, which they do after recording back-to-back league wins. With the Brittania rocking, the hosts will be well up for this, while the fact Spurs are now a genuine scalp for everyone, because of their eleven-game unbeaten run, is motivation on a plate for Tony Pulis’ rejuvenated charges.

Stoke are a handful for any side and with Ledley King a doubt, set-pieces could be a real problem for the visitors. On the other hand, containing Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon on either flank won’t be easy for the Potters. I suspect Scott Parker and Luka Modric will try to monopolise possession, something they’ve done to devastating effect so far this season, but Stoke are as combative and industrious as they come and I really do fancy them to earn a hard-fought point in this fixture. Neither manager would begrudge a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Value Bet: 0-0 Draw (Correct Score) – 11/1 StanJames

Match Odds

Stoke – 3/1 Totesport

Draw – 5/2 Bet365

Tottenham – 23/20 WilliamHill

Everton V Sunderland

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 4 December – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Goodison Park

Preview

You’ll struggle to find two more passionate sets of supporters than those which follow Everton and Stoke, yet it will be a sombre atmosphere on Merseyside on Sunday as Goodison Park pays its respects to a former servant of the club, Gary Speed, who tragically passed away at the age of 42 last Sunday.

The teams, though, will no doubt do their best to put on a show, even though this IS NOT a live Sky Sports clash.

The last time Stoke were shown live was on Thursday, in their penultimate group game in the Europa League. A 1-1 draw with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev, who last season dumped Manchester City out of the same competition, was enough to send the Potters through to the latter stages, which sparked scenes of jubilation in the Brittania terraces. However, will their midweek European exertions come back to haunt them yet again?

Eager to capitalise on any dreary minds or fatigued bodies are an Everton side chasing their third successive Premier League win, a feat they last managed way back in January 2010. Toffees chief David Moyes will doubtless be aware of his opponent’s dismal record when it comes to playing away from fortress Brittania, too: Stoke have won only one of their previous sixteen Premiership fixtures away from home, suffering twelve defeats and failing to even score on ten occasions.

Everton won last season’s corresponding fixture 1-0. With Stoke’s woeful track record on the road and with Everton hardly the most reliable of sorts, and certainly not the most prolific, we can expect another tight, low scoring affair on Merseyside.

Everton

League Position: 9th

League Form: WLLWW

With six points registered from their last two matches, Everton are gradually building momentum – although we have been here before, umpteen times in fact. A third consecutive victory on Sunday though, at home to Stoke, and it will be their longest winning streak for over a year, though more importantly it would put further distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Back-to-back wins at home to Wolves (2-1) and away to Bolton (0-2) finally sees Everton heading in the right direction, upwards. They now sit ninth in the table, six points shy of the European places – which are well out of their reach this season – but a healthy seven clear of the bottom three.

David Moyes will be keen to guard against complacency, however. While another set of three points would consolidate their position in the top half of the table, defeat could see them fall as many as five places.

Everton have yet to lose a Premier League home game versus Stoke, winning two and drawing one of their three meetings so far. Yakubu scored their winner last season in a narrow 1-0 success, and there are serious question marks over who will pop up and score the winner on Sunday, as scoring remains an achilles heel of theirs – still! Which is why Moyes may opt to start with Greek forward Apostolos Vellios up top, with the 19-year-old having netted three after emerging from the bench this season.

Defenders Phil Neville and Sylvan Distin are both doubts for David Moyes, although both should be available. Jack Rodwell is another rated doubtful and his inclusion in the squad is less likely.

Stoke

League Position: 12th

League Form: LLLLW

Stoke simply don’t do travelling in the Premier League. It really is as simple as that. So Sunday’s game with Everton, at Goodison Park, represents a stern challenge for a buoyant Potters side who on Thursday booked their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League with a hard-earned draw at home to Dynamo Kiev.

The above result is one of the main reasons why Stoke lack any sort of betting appeal in this fixture. Although Tony Pulis did ring the changes from the side which thumped Blackburn 3-1 in their last league game, his team weren’t half given the run around on Thursday by an accomplished Ukrainian outfit whose ball retention was superb. The final result was greeted by scenes of celebration, but the match itself will have taken a lot out of the players.

Of course, Pulis will once again rotate for the trip to Goodison. The fact he doesn’t have any major absentees is also a big positive. But a selection who did feature in midweek will have to play some part, particularly those in defence and midfield, and so fatigue could play a major role in a fixture Stoke don’t have the best of records in anyway; they’ve only taken one point from a possible nine of their three visits to Everton in the Premier League.

Even more ominous is Stoke’s away record in the Premier League. Just one win in their last sixteen away from fortress Brittania is astonishing, but the fact twelve of those were defeats is alarming, and that does include each of their last four. Moreover, the Potters slumped to emphatic defeats away at Sunderland (4-0) and Bolton (5-0) days after competing in Europe.

Match Pointers

- These two clubs have met six times in the Premier League; Everton are out in front with three wins, the last coming in last season’s Goodison Park encounter which finished 1-0 to the hosts, with Stoke triumphant on just the one occasion, though it was the most recent – a 2-0 win at the Brittania January.

- Everton hosts this fixture on the back of successive league wins, putting both Wolves (2-1) and Bolton (0-2) to the sword.

- Four of Everton’s seven goals at Goodison Park this season were netted by defenders; Phil Jagielka (2) and Leighton Baines (2).

- Stoke ended a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats when beating Blackburn 3-1 at home last week.

- The Potters have lost their last four away league matches, three without scoring, conceding 14 goals.

- In their last sixteen Premier League games away from home, Stoke have managed just one win (W1 D3 L12).

- Stoke have scored the joint-fewest number of away goals in the top flight (3).

Betting

You know you’re out of sorts when your only league win in over a month is against rock-bottom Blackburn, the team just about everyone has beaten this season. Well that’s the current situation with Stoke, who before last weekend’s tidy 3-1 win over Steve Kean’s ailing side had suffered four defeats on the bounce. Throw in their atrocious record when playing away from home in the league immediately after playing in Europe, as well as their current run of four consecutive away defeats, and you can see where I’m heading.

Usually I wouldn’t advise backing Everton at odds on, not under any circumstance, but we have to make an exception on this occasions. The Potters are consistently woeful on their travels and have even been prone to shipping bucket loads of goals, which is uncharacteristic of them. I don’t see them suffering another heavy loss, as Everton don’t do goals, but I suspect Thursday’s exertions will take their toll up against a fresher batch of legs in the form of David Moyes’ reinvigorated charges.

David Moyes is reportedly set to ditch misfiring Louis Saha – at long last – with Greek youngster Apostolos Vellios in line for his first Premier League start of the campaign. The 19-year-old is a powerful figure, boasting fantastic upper body strength, and has displayed a knack of being in the right place at the right time, which is what Everton need at this moment, because they have players willing to burst a gut down the flanks. Vellios could be a decent goalscorer punt, either first or any time.

Match Outcome: Everton to WIN – 3/4 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Apostolos Vellios to Score – 11/5 PaddyPower

Match Odds

Everton – 3/4 PaddyPower

Draw – 13/5 Bet365

Stoke – 19/4 StanJames

Stoke City V Blackburn Rovers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 26 November 2011 – 12:45 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Blackburn Rovers have been in free-fall ever since the season began, but to see Stoke suffering has come as a major surprise. What it does do, though, is make for an intriguing contest when the two sides rendezvous for the seventh time in the Premier League on Saturday – and it is Stoke seeking to maintain the upper hand, having won four of the previous six encounters, including the three staged at the Brittania.

It wasn’t that long ago Stoke could do no wrong. In fact, there was a stage when folk were talking up their chances of a possible fifth or sixth place finish in the league. But it is no coincidence that their slide in form has coincided with their first ever participation in the UEFA Europa League – a competition many were tipping them to qualify for again next season with a possible fifth of sixth place league finish, but one that does have its fair share of drawbacks.

There is no doubt plying in Europe takes its toll on any squad. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson would definitely concur. It’s one of the reasons why their clubs, Arsenal and Man Utd, recruit in such large numbers, to handle the large quantity of games each season. Europe caught Stoke by surprise, a pleasant one at that, and that meant their fairly average-sized squad was always going to be susceptible to fatigue over the course of the season – though few would have predicted all those air miles would have such an adverse affect so quickly.

Long, arduous trips to the Ukraine and Israel during the months of September and November have clearly taken their toll, as their league form in between has been atrocious. They’ve only won once in eight Premier League matches, six of those being defeats, while it speaks volumes that their solitary success came straight off the back of an international break, at home to Fulham on 15 October.

It would appear the Potters look forward to internationals more than any other side, as it’s about the only time they get a breather. Hoping to capitalise on Stoke’s gruelling schedule is Blackburn manager Steve Kean, whose side are floundering in the relegation zone and whose job hangs by the slimmest of proverbial threads.

Although last week’s 3-3 draw at Wigan epitomised Blackburn’s hunger and spirit, having fought back to earn a hard-fought point with a last-gasp winner that came courtesy of a Yakubu penalty that was earned by none other than goalkeeper Paul Robinson, it doesn’t change their complexion much. If anything, their situation has only become more dire.

Blackburn’s failure to win in the league for the seventh match running, since their unforgettable 4-3 success over Arsenal at Ewood Park on 17 September, leaves them with a four-point deficit they must bridge if they’re to claw themselves back onto safe footing. In more simpler terms, Rovers go into the weekend four points off safety. So there is no chance whatsoever of Rovers’ miserable spell in the bottom three coming to an end any time soon.

There is, however, some good news for supporters. Your team are playing well, even if they aren’t securing the right results to back up their endeavours on the pitch, while the return of several key players will be a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with out of sorts Stoke, whose recent form is far more woeful than theirs. Christopher Samba, Ryan Nelsen and Martin Olsson could all feature at the Brittania after missing last week’s draw at Wigan through injury, although David Dunn is suspended.

Furthermore, Rovers have found more fortune on their travels of late than at home – which isn’t a surprise when you consider every home game at Ewood Park is like a circus these days, with fans protesting before, during and after every home match. Steve Kean’s side are unbeaten in three on the road, all draws mind, scoring three in both their previous two. The latter does bode well seeing as Stoke have shipped that very same number of goals in their previous two home Premier League games, both in defeat, too.

Match Pointers

- Four of their six Premier League meetings were won by Stoke, whom have triumphed in each of the previous three, home and away. The Potters have also won all three encounters at the Brittania, without conceding either.

- Stoke City are in free-fall and are plummeting down the Premier League table at a rate of knots, to the point where they now reside in 14th after a run of four successive defeats.

- Tony Pulis’ side have won only once in eight league matches (W1 D1 L6), losing their previous two home fixtures to Newcastle (1-3) and QPR (2-3).

- In their last four league games (all defeats), Stoke have shipped a combined total of 14 goals but managed only four themselves.

- All four of Jonathan Walters’ Premier League goals this season were scored at the Brittania Stadium, where he has netted in four of Stoke’s last five league matches.

- Blackburn begin the weekend four points adrift of safety and only one above rock-bottom Wigan Athletic, with Rovers still searching for their first league win since their 4-3 defeat of Arsenal at home on 17 September (their only win of the season thus far).

- Since beating Arsenal at Ewood Park, Blackburn have taken just three points from their subsequent seven league fixtures (W0 D3 L4).

- Rovers are unbeaten on their travels in three, having drawn away at Norwich (3-3), QPR (1-1) and more recently Wigan (3-3).

- Striker Yakubu and Canadian David Hoilett have netted in both of Blackburn’s previous two away matches, with the latter’s three league goals this term all coming away from home.

Betting

Even though they have had a tendency in the past to embark on miserable stretches of form, Stoke’s recent dismal spell has come as a shock. Just one win in eight in the league is disastrous form, relegation form even, and at the current rate they are accumulating points that is precisely where they are heading at this moment in time. Fittingly, Stoke face a team this weekend who are actually in the relegation zone, in third from bottom and without a win in seven Blackburn.

Normally Blackburn aren’t the sort of side I’d put much faith in at the Brittania, a venue where even the big teams tend to crumble. But Blackburn have shown plenty of heart in recent games, especially on the road, and with manager Steve Kean set to be boosted by the return of several influential figures, I sense a first win since the middle of September could be just around the corner.

To be fair, Stoke rarely come up short in the effort department. Tony Pulis’ charges invariably give 110%, particularly at home. But it is now two home defeats on the spin, after losing heavily to Newcastle and QPR, and after shipping three goals in each, it is impossible not to have reservations over the Potters in a match they should win but aren’t in the slightest bit alluring in odds to do so.

Blackburn for me, then, whose courage could secure them three colossal points at fortress Brittania.

Match Outcome: Blackburn Rovers to WIN – 4/1 Bet365

Value Bet: Draw/Blackburn (HT/FT) – 10/1 888Sport

Match Odds

Stoke City – 5/6 Coral

Draw – 11/4 WilliamHill

Blackburn Rovers – 4/1 Bet365

Stoke City V Queens Park Rangers

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 19 November 2011 – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

Out of sorts Stoke and QPR meet for the very first time in a Premier League fixture on Saturday, with the pair no doubt keen to end their barren runs at the expense of each other at the Brittania Stadium.

Bookmakers have installed the Potters as odds-on favourites, despite Tony Pulis’ side losing their previous three league games on the spin. Heavy defeats away at Arsenal (3-1) and Bolton (5-0) either side of a 3-1 thrashing at home to Newcastle has resulted in Stoke slipping down to 12th in the league table, three points off relegation but a staggering ten adrift of the European places.

It would appear Tony Pulis still hasn’t found the correct formula for competing in the both the Premier League and in Europe, as the two combined have caused Stoke big problems this season, especially domestically. It’s now one win in seven in the league, with that solitary success coming at home to Fulham in October, though they do sit top of their Europa League group.

The fact Stoke don’t have a Europa League match on Thursday should help, as it means all the focus will fall on Saturday’s clash with Queens Park Rangers at the Brittania – where, incidentally, Stoke have only lost two of their last fourteen Premier League matches (W8 D4 L2), although they were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle in their last appearance there.

Whereas Stoke will feel they can rely on home comforts, QPR must dig deep away from home if they’re to better their recent results on the road. Not only have they lost their last two league matches by an aggregate of 6-3, losing 3-1 at Tottenham and 3-2 at home to Man City, their previous two away games has seen them ship a combined total of nine goals, going down 6-0 at Fulham and, of course, that previously mentioned loss to Spurs.

Vast improvements needed then if Rangers are to get back to winning ways this weekend at a notoriously difficult venue. Neil Warnock certainly has the players capable of producing a performance strong enough to see off the challenge of Stoke, who themselves aren’t at the peak of their powers right now; Joey Barton, Adel Taarabt and Shaun Wright-Phillips can all pose teams huge amounts of problem when on top of their game.

However, the key man for QPR is unquestionably Argentine Alejandro Faurlin. The 25-year-old Rosario-born midfielder was instrumental last season in helping the club to promotion, yet he’s taken his game to a whole new level in the Premier League. Calm and collected in possession, fantastic awareness, the ability to pick out a pass, to make the right pass even; Faurlin has kept Rangers ticking this season and if there is to be an upset at the Brittania this weekend, chances are he’ll be the man responsible for orchestrating the success.

In terms of team news, Stoke manager Tony Pulis has doubts regarding defenders Ryan Shawcross and Marc Wilson, though both are expected to be passed fit for selection, while Rangers chief Neil Warnock will be shorn of defender Fitz Hall, midfielder Kieron Dyer – still, and forwards Rob Hulse and DJ Campbell, who is expected back around Christmas. It means Jay Bothroyd, who has two in two games, should continue to lead the attack.

Match Pointers

- These two clubs have never met in the Premier League, but Stoke did win three of their previous five meetings in the Championship (from 2005-2008).

Stoke City

League Position: 12th

League Form: LWLLL

- Stoke have lost their previous three league games in succession, conceding 11 goals in the process.

- The Potters have won only one of their last seven Premier League fixtures (W1 D1 L5).

Queens Park Rangers

League Position: 11th

League Form: LDWLL

- Rangers have suffered back-to-back defeats going into this fixture, conceding three in losses Tottenham (3-1) and Man City (2-3).

- QPR have shipped nine goals in their last two away matches combined.

Betting

I can’t say I am all that thrilled to be getting involved in this match. Neither have been particularly impressive recently; the international break came to Stoke’s rescues, that’s for sure, and they may well spring out of the traps in front of their partisan following of barmy Potters.

Meanwhile, Rangers weren’t actually all that bad in defeat to Man City and Tottenham, particularly in their last match at home to league leaders Man City. Their biggest problem right now is playing away from Loftus Road, where they are unbeaten in four; they’ve shipped nine in their last two matches on the road.

The advantage of playing at home swayed me here, and had it been the other way around – so QPR playing at home – I probably would have done the same (opt for the home side). So, far from my most convincing prediction.

Match Outcome: Stoke to WIN @ 5/6 PaddyPower

Value Bet: Stoke 1-0 (Correct Score) @ 6/1 Ladbrokes

Match Odds

Stoke City – 5/6 PaddyPower

Draw – 13/5 WilliamHill

Queens Park Rangers – 4/1 VictorChandler

Stoke City V Newcastle United

Date & Kick-Off: Monday, 31 October 2011 – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Brittania Stadium

TV Coverage: LIVE on Sky Sports 1

Preview

Newcastle United put their unbeaten record firmly on the line when they visit Stoke at the Brittania Stadium on Monday. The Magpies are one of just two teams yet to taste defeat in the league this season, along with table-topping Man City, after winning five and losing none of their opening nine fixtures; however, Stoke are a formidable force at home, where they’ve been beaten on just the one solitary occasions in their last thirteen Premier League home games, while it was in this very fixture Stoke recorded their most emphatic league win last season.

Goals from Danny Higginbotham, Jermaine Pennant, Jonathan Walters and Ricardo Fuller earned Stoke a handsome 4-0 victory when the two teams last convened at the Brittania, back in March. It wasn’t long after that Newcastle embarked on their longest unbeaten run in the top-flight for fourteen-years, with Alan Pardew’s men unbeaten in twelve consecutive Premier League games.

Both sides come into the clash on the back of disappointing results in the League Cup: Stoke were eliminated by Liverpool at the Brittania, in normal time I hasten to add, while Newcastle were dumped out by Blackburn, this after two hours of gruelling cup action. Will those extra 30 minutes have a detrimental affect on Newcastle’s performance on Monday? Saying that, Stoke have played more matches than anyone this season bar Fulham, because of their Europa League commitments.

Stoke City

League Position: 9th

League Form: LDLWL

Following a run of three consecutive league defeats on their travels, Stoke will pleased just to be back at home for their next league assignment – though home comforts didn’t see them through their midweek League Cup tie with Liverpool. Kenwyn Jones had put Stoke in front late into the first-half but two Luis Suarez goals in the second period sealed the Potters’ faith, who must now show some mental toughness and resolve to bounce back and win their remaining three competitive fixture before November’s international break.

After Monday’s Premier League encounter with Newcastle at the Brittania comes a trip to Israel in the Europa League, before finally wrapping up matters away at Bolton. Maccabi Tel-Aviv, whom they beat comfortably 3-0 a fortnight previous, await them in the Israeli capital on Thursday. Victory for Stoke in that and the Round of 16 and a potentially mouthwatering tie with one of Europe’s elite beckons. That’s a fairly big distraction if you ask me.

To Stoke’s credit, they’ve handled a busy schedule tremendously well. It could get a whole lot better, though, as back-to-back victories within the space of just three days, over Newcastle at home, who they beat 4-0 in last season’s corresponding fixture, and away in Maccabi Tel-Aviv would give their domestic and continental complexions a big boost. A win on Monday would move them up to 8th in the league, three points behind Liverpool in fifth (this was before Tottenham played QPR on the Sunday), while victory in Israel just a few days later could qualify them for the knockouts there and then.

A huge week then for Stoke, who haven’t stopped playing matches in 2011/12. The Potters have faced a hectic schedule containing games every three to four days and sooner or later that has to take its toll, with mental lapses a given. So far they’ve kept a high standard, but they’ve now lost their last two competitive matches, away to Arsenal in the league and in the cup to Liverpool, and perhaps for the first time this season Stoke do look vulnerable heading into a home clash.

Newcastle United

League Position: 4th

League Form: DWWDW

There’s no question Newcastle United have been the season’s surprise package thus far; it’s not even up for debate. Alan Pardew’s men sit a remarkable fourth in the table, that’s above the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham – though all three are now breathing down their necks. They’re also one of just two teams, along with table-topping Manchester City, who have yet to lose a league fixture. But that is expected to change soon, if not at Stoke on Monday then in one of the numerous other frightful fixtures that await them over the next month or so.

We shall have a better idea of how far Newcastle have come and where we can roughly expect them to finish this season by the time Christmas comes round, as by then the Magpies will have faced some of the sternest opposition this league has to offer. First up is a fixture they came unstuck in last season, emphatically so, too, away at Stoke before hosting Everton at St James Park. But what follows is a mouthwatering line-up of games versus Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, the latter two both in Manchester.

So it is no exaggeration then when I claim the next month to be a defining period in Newcastle’s season, who are seemingly set to begin their descent down the league. Magpies manager Alan Pardew will have other ideas though, as will his players who are extremely confident that they can keep this remarkable run of theirs going. First they must show vast improvements at the Brittania, where they were handsomely beaten 4-0 in the previous term.

Of course, it is by no means a formality that Newcastle will suffer a string of defeats. They’ve been incredibly resilient and combative under Alan Pardew, who really had done a tremendous job under testing circumstances. The former West Ham and Southampton manager has assembled a team with strong core foundations, particularly at the back in the defence – they boast the best defensive figures in the Premier League, conceding just six so far, while going forward they’ve been a real handful.

The spirit of the team has impressed me more than anything else, with Pardew no short of takers willing to step up to the mark and be a hero, as Yohan Cabaye did last week when netting the winner at home to Wigan. Demba Ba has been doing it throughout most of the season and the Senegalese striker, who has eight goals in his last nine Premier League starts, will once again be Newcastle’s biggest threat in the final third; he’s their top goalscorer this season with 5 goals, two more than strike partner Leon Best.

Match Pointers

- There have been two draws and two victories for Stoke in their four Premier League meetings, with Stoke doing the double over the Magpies last season with a 2-1 win at St James Park and a crushing 4-0 win at the Brittania.

- Newcastle haven’t lost in the league for six months, winning six of their previous twelve in an unbeaten sequence (W6 D6).

- Stoke have tasted defeat on just one occasion in their last thirteen Premier League matches at the Brittania Stadium (W8 D4 L1), while they’ve conceded just five goals in their last ten on home soil.

- The Potters (W3 D3 L3 in league this season) sit 11th in the league on 12-points, amassing seven points fewer than still unbeaten Newcastle in fourth (W5 D4 L0).

Betting

In a weekend where we’ve had a glut of goals and several thrilling contests, this clash between Stoke and Newcastle at the Brittania Stadium may prove a bit of a let-down. The pair match up too well, with both teams set to impose their physicality on each other. You have to give Stoke the slight edge because they’re at home, and the Brittania is always a fortress for them, particularly when it’s rocking for the live games. But Newcastle have displayed an abundance of resilience and determination ever since the season began, and their current position in the table is no fluke, they’ve earned the right to be where they are currently – and I expect them to remain where they are, for now anyway.

The Brittania is always rocking when the big teams make an appearance, but Newcastle aren’t included in this category, not anymore, without meaning to be too disrespectful. So the atmosphere could be flatter than usual, especially after Wednesday’s narrow defeat to Liverpool in the League Cup. It is a live game, which should stoke the fire – excuse the pun – but I still feel I can rely on Newcastle’s resolute defence to at least earn a result. It could depend on the sharpness of their attackers, namely Demba Ba and Leon Best, as to how many points they obtain, though.

Match Outcome: Draw – 23/10 VictorChandler

Value Bet: 1-1 Draw (Correct Score) – 11/2 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Stoke City – 6/5 Ladbrokes

Draw – 23/10 VictorChandler

Newcastle United – 11/4 Bet365

Arsenal V Stoke City

Date & Kick-Off: Sunday, 23 October 2011 – 13:30 (GMT)

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Preview

Arsenal have never dropped a point at home in the Premier League versus Stoke, winning all three of their meetings in north London. Then again, I don’t recall them making this average a start, winning just three of their first eight games, and so their flawless record at home to the Potters is in serious jeopardy this weekend as the prepare to commence battle with Tony Pulis’ battle-hardened side who, in some people’s opinions anyway, stand as much chance, if not better, of qualifying for Europe this season than Arsene Wenger’s team of misfits.

So could a shock be on the cards? The bookmakers tend to think not. Stoke – can you believe it – are a jaw-dropping 6/1 shot on Sunday to record their third league win over Arsenal, although it would have to be their first at the Emirates. But the Potters can do no wrong at the minute; sat prominently in seventh, just four-points off the Champions League places having already held both Chelsea and Manchester United this season – albeit at the Brittania – plus Thursday’s comprehensive win over Maccabi Tel-Aviv sent them top of their Europa League group.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are a couple points further back in lowly tenth as the team continues to struggle post Fabregas-Nasri. They have already been beaten at home this season, by Liverpool, suffered defeat in the first north London derby of the season just before the international break to Tottenham, and, of course, were spanked 8-2 by Manchester United at Old Trafford. The positives? Well there aren’t many, but they have won each of their last three Premier League fixtures at home, all against sides in the lower half of the table it must be said – and Stoke are no longer lurking in that region of the division.

Arsenal

League Position: 10th

League Form: WLWLW

Whether they’re out disappointing the locals by getting beat in the north London derby or spanked away at Old Trafford, or whether they’re recording a string of wins at home against some of the league’s ‘lesser’ teams, you never quite know where you stand with Arsenal. So at ridiculous odds, surely the Gunners are a definite no-go this weekend?

But the omens are promising… Not only have Arsenal won their last three Premier League matches at the Emirates Stadium, five in all competitions if you include their nervy win over League Two Shrewsbury in the cup and their Champions League triumph over Olympiacos, they post a flawless record of three wins out of three at home to the Potters, whose only goal in this fixture came in their first season back in the top-flight back in 2009, and it came from the spot.

So why isn’t their a cue of folk eager to get their bets on Arsene Wenger’s men trumping Stoke for the fourth successive league meeting in north London? It’s simple really – they haven’t been at all convincing all season, not even when they’ve won. The new signings haven’t bedded in well, with Mikel Arteta apart, and once again there’s a heavy reliance on a certain Dutchman picking up the slack.

Robin Van Persie, now Arsenal skipper following the departure of Cesc Fabregas, just hasn’t stopped scoring in 2011 and on Sunday, last week, took his tally for the year to 23 in 25 Premier League appearances. It really doesn’t bare thinking about where the Gunners would reside in the table right now with his goals, but more importantly his aura.

RVP has been one of a select few to lead by example this season, one of a select few who has the mental toughness to thrive under adversity and to produce the goods when it really counts, as he did when scoring the crucial equalising goal in Italy during Arsenal’s Champions League qualifier with Udinese – and as he did last week at home to Sunderland when netting the winner with a classy free-kick. Can he guide his team through Sunday’s Stoke physical?

Stoke City

League Position: 7th

League Form: WLDLW

Nobody will curb Stoke’s enthusiasm and zest for life at this moment in time, especially not Arsenal, who Stoke feel have never shown them the respect they deserve. So they’d love nothing better than to end a fantastic week with their first ever Emirates victory over the Gunners, who have won their last three league matches at home but looked fragile at home to Sunderland last time out.

I guarantee Stoke are smelling an upset on the cards here, which shows you how far the club have come, that they genuinely rate their chances heading to Arsenal. It also highlights how quickly Arsenal have rocketed down the Premier League food chain, and I’m one of several who believe Stoke have the confidence, experience, momentum and, crucially, the ability to gobble Arsene Wenger’s fragile men up for for dinner when they meet at the Emirates dinner-time Sunday – and at tasty odds as well.

Some will highlight the fact they were playing in Europe on Thursday as to why they won’t end their run of three straight Premier League defeats in this fixture. But was it really a match? Stoke ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, winning the game inside the first 30 minutes through goals from Kenwyn Jones, Cameron Jerome and Ryan Shotton. The game turned into an exhibition match thereafter. It’s also worth remembering that it was at the Brittania, so no travelling was involved.

Moreover, Thursday’s match with mediocre opposition, who were swept aside by a rampant, ruthless and oozing with confidence Stoke side, who made it two wins within the space of a week after their 2-0 win in the league over Fulham last Saturday, came a mere 24 hours after Arsenal’s gruelling encounter IN Marseille, over in France. Yes Arsenal may have won but they were made to work a darn sight harder for their narrow one-goal victory than Stoke were for theirs.

Furthermore, Tony Pulis could also freshen things up by drafting in a whole host of key players who sat out Thursday’s game. Asmir Begoviic, Jonathan Woodgate, Glenn Whelan, Rory Delap, Jermaine Pennant and Peter Crouch were all rested while Wilson Palacios and Jonathan Walters were brought on midway through the second half. Stoke’s Emirates package already looked outstanding value, but throw in fresh legs, the return of umpteen key players, and you really do have yourself a bargain.

Match Pointers

- Arsenal have a 100% record in this fixture with three wins from three, with Stoke netting just the one goal which came from the spot back in 2009.

- The Gunners have won their last three Premier League home games as well, five in all competitions.

- Stoke’s two defeats this season did come while out on their travels, and they were their most recent outings as well, away to Sunderland (4-0) and Swansea (2-0).

- Both of Stoke’s two away goals this season were scored in the 90^th minute or later, while four of Arsenal’s six goals at home were netted in the second half.

Betting

I can only think that bookies are concerned by Stoke’s Thursday night exertions, as their odds of victory are out of this world. I know the Emirates hasn’t bore much fruit for Stoke so far, losing on each of their previous three visits in the Barclay’s Premier League, but they are a team in imperious form right now, right on top of their game. They’re enjoying their football, which is something Arsenal are finding impossible at this moment in time, because the expectations on them are enormous – and probably unrealistic as well.

Stoke’s physicality has caused numerous teams problems in recent times, however the Potters can match teams stride for stride on the deck as well. Matty Etherington and Jermaine Pennant are a real handful on the flanks and they’ll be doing their utmost to ensure whoever spearheads the attack – I would say Peter Crouch, who didn’t feature on Thursday, is favourite – is kept busy throughout. However, the man who I feel who inflict some serious damage is Jonathan Walters. He’s a bulldozer of a forward who isn’t afraid to charge at defenders and he’ll scare the living daylights out of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker – Thomas Vermaelen is still out for Arsenal.

At 6/1, I’m all giddy with excitement at the prospect of seeing what I genuinely believe is exceptional value on Sunday. Arsenal have been extremely unconvincing for a while so who better to seize the initiative and take full advantage than Stoke?

Match Outcome: Stoke City to WIN – 6/1 SkyBet

Value Bet: Jonathan Walters to Score – 10/3 StanJames

Match odds

Arsenal – 8/15 Ladbrokes

Draw – 10/3 BetFred

Stoke City – 6/1 SkyBet

Stoke City V Manchester United

Date & kick-off: Saturday, 24 September 2011 – 17:30 (GMT)

Venue: Brittania Stadium

Preview

There aren’t many teams who enjoy their annual trips to Stoke, but United are no ordinary team – they’re infallible, untouchable… sheer perfection!

A record breaking start to a Premier League season has seen Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United retain their 100% record after five games, scoring a quite out of this world tally of goals – 21 in total – and now the Red Devils have the outright lead following Man City’s slip-up at Fulham on the same Sunday United put three past title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford in a superb 3-1 triumph.

Next up for the defending champions: Stoke City at the Brittania Stadium, a venue where the hosts have lost just one of their last eleven league games but crucially where United have won all three Premiership meetings, two without conceding a goal. But it has rarely been straightforward for the nineteen-time champions of England, who required a late winner from Mexican Javier Hernandez in last season’s Brittania encounter in order to secure three invaluable away points in a narrow 2-1 victory.

Stoke

League Position: 5th

League Form: LWWDD

Despite a busy schedule that will see Stoke tackle league leaders Manchester United at the weekend before an important Europa League fixture with section leaders Besiktas at the Brittania on Thursday, Tony Pulis selected a very strong line-up for Tuesday’s Carling Cup third round clash with Tottenham. The Potters boss was rewarded with progression, after his charges prevailed on penalties, but their performance was lethargic and the hangover from both their European exertions last week and a thumping defeat away to Sunderland on Sunday was clearly evident in what was a dire match to watch.

A 4-0 reverse away at Sunderland was Stoke’s heaviest league defeat for sixteen months, coincidentally since they were spanked 4-0 by, guess who, Manchester United at Old Trafford. Now, the jury is out as to whether Tony Pulis can perform a balancing act this season as his team seek to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts, as Sunday’s emphatic defeat did come just three days after their hard-fought draw in the Ukraine against Dynamo Kiev. The early indications would suggest a firm no.

Stoke really weren’t at the races at the Stadium of Light last Sunday – and they were punished severely by a pretty average Sunderland side who beforehand hadn’t won a game up till then, in any competition.

Fortunately Stoke are one of those teams who don’t tend to dwell on the losses for too long, however I cannot help but question Pulis’ decision to names the likes of Roberth Huth, Matthew Upson, Glenn Whealen, Jermaine Pennant, Matthew Etherington, Wilson Palacios, Cameron Jerome and Kenwyn Jones in his starting eleven for what many other managers in his position would deem a meaningless tie in comparison to Saturday’s monumental clash with an inspired Man Utd who have so far blown everyone, Chelsea and Tottenham included, out of the water.

But who am I to question Tony Pulis? After all, this is a manager who has done tremendous things with what was a very ordinary club until he took over the reigns back in 2006. A shrewd tactician who during his three-year spell in the Premier League with the Potters has masterminded both Arsenal and Liverpool’s downfalls, while I don’t remember either Chelsea or United having ever escaped fortress Brittania without knowing they’ve just been in one helluva battle.

Victory over Sir Alex’s United would undoubtedly be Tony Pulis and Stoke’s biggest scalp thus far – so is it beyond them?

Manchester United

League Position: 1st

League Form: WWWWW

Safely through to the fourth round of a competition they probably couldn’t care less about, United revert their attentions back to the Premier League after comfortably seeing to Leeds United in the third round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday. Striker Michael Owen starred in a makeshift team that didn’t contain a single first-team regular as Sir Alex safeguarded his prize assets for Saturday’s epic battle with Stoke at the Brittania Stadium.

Like so many, I was left scratching my head when I saw the strength of the Stoke side which edged pasted Tottenham during the week – yet every player who has starred in what has been a truly remarkable start to the campaign for the defending Premier League champions was rested at Leeds, didn’t even travel. So a refreshed United, who are still buzzing from Sunday’s defeat of Chelsea, are surely going to take all the beating yet again this weekend, even at fortress Brittania, which for Sir Alex & Co has actually been a happy hunting ground of theirs.

Three visits, three wins – Manchester United’s record away to Stoke in the Premier League. Rarely have they had it easy there mind, with last season’s Brittania encounter a prime example – Hernandez’s late winner eventually see United over the finish line in an enthralling contest that predictably ended 2-1 in the visiting team’s favour. But if a fired-up Chelsea who gave everything they had at Old Trafford still couldn’t get near the new outright league leaders, what chance do a Stoke side who have played four games more than their opponents and are already suffering as a result stand?

As cut and dry as I’m making it out to be, Sir Alex is having none of it, and rightly so. Any sign of arrogance or a lack of respect gets punished severely by Stoke, especially on their own patch, so another highly professional, dignified display is required in order for Manchester United to extend their winning start in the league to six games.

Unfortunately, though, last season’s match winner in this fixture is out injured. Javier Hernandez, who scored twice on his first ever visit to the Brittania, and again in the reverse meeting at Old Trafford, will sit this one out with a bruised shin sustained in last week’s clash with Chelsea. Chris Smalling is also doubtful with a groin injury, however Rio Ferdinand is fit and could return to the starting fold. Nemanja Vidic is still continuing his recovery a calf injury sustained on the opening weekend at West Brom.

Match Pointers

Manchester United have won all six of their Premier League meetings with Stoke, outscoring the Potters by an aggregate of 16-2.

The last time Stoke recorded a win over Man Utd in the league was back in 1984, during the old First Division.

United have won every one of their five league games up till now, breaking a Premier League scoring record along the way after plundering a staggering 21 goals and conceding just 4.

Wayne Rooney has scored nine times in the Premier League this season, notching in every game thus far.

Stoke have lost just one of their previous eleven league games at the Brittania Stadium (W7 D3 L1).

Betting Verdict

I have made rather a big deal about Tony Pulis’ ultra strong team which faced Tottenham in the Carling Cup on Tuesday. On reflection, it was a bold move that deserved heaps of praise. I can’t think of too many managers who would have shown the competition as much respect as he did, Alex Ferguson to name but a few. But it is, however, a significant negative in my book that will count against them.

Stoke were out on their feet at Sunderland in their most recent assignment, just days after producing a valiant draw in the Ukraine with Dynamo Kiev, and were battered 4-0 as a result by Steve Bruce’s previously win-less Black Cats. Moreover, Pulis’ men were hardly a bundle of energy against Liverpool the previous match day either, despite winning 1-0, or against West Brom at The Hawthorns last month. It is quite apparent that Stoke’s determination to succeed on the continental front is having a detrimental affect domestically.

In stark contrast, Manchester United are bouncing. The Red Devils have won five out of five in the league and will have an extra spring in their step after putting Chelsea to the sword at Old Trafford last weekend. However, the amount of chances they conceded and the manner in which the Blues carved open the United defence was a disconcerting sight for Fergie, although the return of Rio Ferdinand should go some way to eradicating those defensive errors that on occasions left goalkeeper David de Gea alarmingly exposed.

I don’t expect it to be easy for one minute, despite how my above preview would suggest otherwise. With that said, I have placed rather large question marks over Stoke’s fitness and general conditioning, especially after slugging it out yet again during the week, and whether they can live with United for the full 90 minutes? My answer is unfortunately no, a form one at that, which is why I have no reason but to go with an infallible United who’ll be buoyed by their scalp of Chelsea but also doubly determined to not only protect their 100% record in the league, but also their place at the Premier League summit.

Match Prediction: Manchester United to WIN – 6/10 WilliamHill

Value Bet: Man Utd to WIN 3-1 (Correct Score) – 12/1 WilliamHill

Match Odds

Stoke – 6/1 VictorChandler

Draw – 10/3 Totesport

Manchester United – 6/10 WilliamHill