I BET Tony Pulis will have had a loving arm around Ricardo Fuller over the past few days to make sure he gets over Tuesday night.

We are all disappointed by that Carling Cup loss to Derby because it was a missed opportunity with Wembley so close. But Tony will know Fuller has suffered more than most because we expect him to score, and he sadly didn’t deliver with a hatful of chances.

He will always give teams a problem though, and Tony will want him taking on defenders as usual to cause Newcastle maximum problems tomorrow.

The ship has been steadied at Newcastle, but I still fancy them as long-term possibilities for the drop because of the situation behind the scenes up there.

I don’t expect too many changes from the Stoke team drawing with Hull last weekend because Tony has a tried and tested formula he will see no reason to change.

I expect Salif Diao to be back, especially away from home, even though Glenn Whelan had a good game against Derby.

There is obviously a decision to be made on the flanks, where you are picking one from Tom Soares, Michael Tonge, Richard Cresswell and Danny Pugh.

Yes, Pugh. I know he’s hardly featured this season, but he’s a natural left-footer who can defend, so he’s the sort who gives you balance.

Tonge will get a lot of votes from fans, though, after impressing as a sub last weekend, while his ability to hold on to the ball will be an attractive asset.

Joe Kinnear has stopped the rot at Newcastle with his personal style of management.

He certainly ruffled a few feathers with his ranting and raving when he first arrived, but I’m pretty sure that was a deliberate attempt to shift the spotlight and pressure from his players.

I worked with Joe for a short spell at Oxford, so I’ve had an insight into how he goes about it.

I don’t think he’ll be doing an awful lot of coaching up there. That will be left to number two Chris Hughton.

Newcastle’s defence always gives you a chance and that won’t change this weekend. Their midfield four lacks physical presence, to my mind, and that’s an area Stoke must look to exploit, particularly at set-pieces.

I’m not convinced Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins is the best attacking combination because both prefer to sit on the shoulder of the last defender.

Owen is to be found in much deeper areas these days and I’m far happier to see that because we all know how deadly he is when he has a free run at goal.

Mark Viduka is more natural for that deeper role, but I assume he’ll be on the bench after only just returning from injury.

Good footballers have short memories, so I’m hoping the Stoke lads have already blotted out the disappointment of a trying Tuesday to ensure a successful Saturday.