Couldn’t believe I could still buy tickets for Newcastle v Stoke 3 hours before kick-off – why isn’t it sold out?

Mark Hughes “Joselu was agitating to go, so in the end we got our money back and moved on.”

At his Friday morning Newcastle press conference, Mark Hughes said he is really pleased with start to the season but has injury problems.

A predictable prediction as Mark Lawrenson follows the crowd when assessing Newcastle v Stoke.

Paul Merson “If Newcastle get another win then it’s happy days at the club…It’s a funny old game.”

Mark Hughes “It is never easy going to Newcastle…They (Newcastle fans) come in big numbers and get behind the team.”

Their club have laid on free coach travel for Newcastle game but less than half the full potential allocation has been bought by Stoke fans.

Fans travelling to Newcastle v Stoke should be aware of these problems if they intend to use the Metro.

Mark Hughes has gone with a 3-5-2 system this season but is set to be missing two of his three first choice centre-backs against Newcastle.

Ahead of Saturday, Michael Owen has given his prediction on Newcastle v Stoke as Rafa returns to the dugout.