1) Stoke's Long Throws, Set Pieces & Aerial Threats
Newcastle United's weaknesses are usually highlighted against Stoke. Over the last few seasons they have struggled terribly with the constant goal threat that Stoke posses aerially. Last season at St. James' Park they were unable to cope with the long throws of Rory Delap, the functionality of their set pieces and the physicality of Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters. On that day then right-back James Perch looked clueless, scoring an own goal in a woeful display and Mike Williamson constantly struggled to beat Robert Huth in the air when the big man came up for set pieces. Both Perch and Williamson have improved this season and over recent weeks there has been more of a steady feeling at the back of the Toon who haven't conceded a goal in three games. Fabricio Coloccini in particular has led from the back and Newcastle will have to be so strong again in this department to continue their winning ways.
2) Demba Ba On The Left
Newcastle United's Demba Ba hasn't quite looked himself in recent weeks. He hasn't scored a goal since February and Alan Pardew's successful tactical change of playing a three up front attack in Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa is certainly helping Newcastle win matches and succeed, but it's not exactly doing much for Ba. Goals have dried up, Ba's attacking threat too, and lately he has been little more than a provider of goals for his Senegalese team-mate. No wonder he came off the bench in Newcastle's last home victory against Bolton not too pleased with how things had gone from him. If the first half comes and goes with Ba not getting a sniff at goal, will his attitude and demeanor drop again? Will he be subbed for Shola Ameobi with 20 minutes to spare? Interesting one to watch out for this... especially as Ba got a hat-trick last time United took on Stoke at the Britannia back on Halloween night.
3) Tim Krul's Shoulder Injury
Perhaps Newcastle's biggest points earner of the season is actually the player who keeps other sides from taking them away, goalkeeper Tim Krul. The Dutchman has been in stunning form since he was handed the first team gloves at the beginning of the season and is arguably Newcastle's best player this term. He was so unfortunate not to be named on the shortlist for PFA Young Player of the Year and if it wasn't for the displays of Joe Hart, he could have been up for Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year. In what could be an important factor for Saturday's game, Krul sat out of training on Thursday with a slight shoulder injury. Pardew was telling the press yesterday and today that it was just a precaution, however United fans will be worried about the consequences of Krul being missing might be for their Champions League surge. Newcastle's reserve keeper is Rob Elliott, a lad they signed last season for a nominal fee from Charlton. He has only played one senior game for United this term and he let in 3 goals at Championship side Nottingham Forest in a 4-3 victory.
4) Papiss Cisse's Goal Scoring Record
If Newcastle's new number nine Papiss Cisse scores tomorrow, he will become the first player this season to register in six successive Premier League games. Robin Van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Rafael Van Der Vaart all managed to score in five successive games but Cisse would become the first player to score in six if he scores against Stoke.
