Predicted Stoke City Line-up To Face Newcastle United In The Premier League
Stoke City will take on Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United in matchweek 5 of the Premier League, at the St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Potters are coming on the back of a good result, having held league leaders Manchester United to a 2-2 draw at the Bet365 Stadium last week. They currently sit 12th in the table with 5 points from 4 games, having won one game against Arsenal and drawn a couple of other games. Manager Mark Hughes will be hoping to get maximum points against the Magpies.
Team News
Stoke are set to be without captain and influential centre-back Ryan Shawcross due to an injury, while fellow defender Geoff Cameron too is ruled out. Julien Ngoy, Ibrahim Afellay and Stephen Ireland continue to be unavailable.
Here’s how the Potters could take the field against Rafa Benitez’s side this weekend:
Manager: Mark Hughes
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Jack Butland (GK)
The Englishman is one of the best young keepers in the league and will want to stake a claim for a place in the Three Lions’ squad for the big event in Russia next year, with strong consistent displays in goal.
Kurt Zouma (CB)
The loanee from Chelsea is proving to be a great addition to the Stoke defence. Will definitely start on Saturday.
Kevin Wimmer (CB)
The former Tottenham Hotspur man should take his place in the middle of the three-man defence, after having made his debut against Manchester United last weekend.
Bruno Martins Indi (CB)
Another summer signing, Dutchman Bruno Martins Indi will complete the three-man backline for the Potters against the Magpies.
Mame Biram Diouf (RWB)
The former Manchester United man has taken to his new wing-back role well. Will continue to feature as the right-sided wing-back.
Joe Allen (CM)
In the middle of the park, it will be Welsh midfielder Joe Allen. It hasn’t been a great start for him, but is a solid player to have in the ranks.
Darren Fletcher (CM)
The midfielder who was signed from West Bromwich Albion for free, is turning out to be a shrewd piece of business for Stoke. Will partner Allen in the midfield.
Erik Pieters (LWB)
A constant fixture and a consistent performer for Stoke, the Netherlands international will start as the left wing-back for Stoke. Can pose a threat with his forward forays.
Xherdan Shaqiri (RAM)
On the right channel in the attack will be Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri. A quality player that he is, he can cause a problem to any defence if he gets going.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (LAM)
The forward had a brilliant game last weekend, scoring a double against Manchester United. Will want to carry on from where he left off back then.
Jese Rodriguez (ST)
The Spanish forward, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has already netted once in three appearances. Will lead the line for Stoke.