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Premier League - Match Preview
Newcastle United vs Stoke City






Barclays Premier League
Matchday 2
16/8/08
St. James Park
Kick off time: 15:00

Team News
Newcastle United's skipper will once again miss the game and the armband will be handed over to Senegal star, Habib Beye.

First Home Win?
Newcastle have yet to get their first home win under Ketsbaia but will this be the time? Against one of the weaker side of the league, Ketsbaia will definitely be going for the win.

Will the strikers put the ball in the onion bag?
Newcastle United have scored 1 goal this season in the Premier League but it was scored by Newcastle's midfielder - Joey Barton. Craig Bellamy and Martins didn't look as sharp as they were in pre-season but hopefully this will be the time for them to shine.

Predicted Newcastle United starting eleven
Shay Given, Habib Beye, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Royston Drenthe, Aaron Lennon, Joey Barton, Danny Guthrie, Charles N'Zogbia, Obafemi Martins, Craig Bellamy

Subs: Steve Harper, Sebastien Bassong, Jose Enrique, Nicky Butt, Damien Duff, Jonas Gutierrez, Alan Smith

Key Players:
Stoke City - Dave Kitson - The 28 year-old has all the experience in the top flight but can he prove to be Stoke's record signing?

Newcastle United - "Bad Boy" Barton - The midfielder definitely have improved his free-kick as he scored a couple of times in pre-season and in the match against Manchester City. Will his free-kicks affect Stoke City's keeper?

Score Prediction: 2-0