The frailties that Hull and QPR possess did rather flatter their opponents, but don’t be surprised if we see another open, free-flowing game between these two sides as they meander towards a comfortable mid-table finish.
Siem De Jong (back in training) & Rolando Aarons (close to a return) are still sidelined through injury, but Remy Cabella’s second-wind under Carver has helped him bag ESPNFC’s Player of the Month for January (ahead of Lionel Messi and Diego Costa) having been given the license to roam in the attacking third, something Alan Pardew wasn’t keen on him doing. Held back by the defensive duties under Pardew’s stewardship, Cabella was unable to influence the game like he has done in recent performances away at Chelsea and last week at Hull, and is starting to provide a return on the £12m investment.
As for Stoke, the loss of Bojan to a season-ending ACL injury has even saddened me as a neutral. The Spaniard had to have been a contender for signing of the season; £3m from Barcelona was an astute piece of business from Mark Hughes, and his loss in the final third of the pitch will take a toll on their attacking play.
Even without Bojan last Saturday, Stoke somewhat cruised over a lacklustre QPR side who can’t pick up an away point for love nor money. However, can Peter Crouch, Jonathan Walters do enough to pry open a dare I say it, more ‘rugged’ defense? That remains to be seen.
The Potters have only lost twice in their last nine matches in all competitions, coming against Champions League-calibre clubs in Chelsea and Arsenal, which is nothing to be ashamed about, so they’ll come to the North East confident of leaving with a result.
Newcastle too will be buoyed by their performance last time out, and when players like Sammy Ameobi are scoring 30-yard screamers, you know Lady Luck is on your side. A revitalised Remy Cabella will lead the Magpies to successive victories as John Carver begins to gain the trust of the Geordie faithful.
Score Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Stoke.
