Mark Hughes has had quite a good start to this season having snatched points from Manchester United and Arsenal. The Potters had a successful transfer window as the manager plugged his weaker position with sheer precision.
Stoke will be looking to carry forward their blistering form having stopped the juggernaut of Manchester United in the last match. They have a very good record against the Magpies as Rafa Benitez’s side have failed to defeat them in the last five meetings. Things are finally looking good but they have to keep up this momentum to build pressure on the other sides.
Hughes will be relying on his physical aspect of the game as Stoke love to play with more power and dynamism. It should be an interesting encounter as both the teams are in a similar phase currently.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Stoke City Lineup Against Newcastle United
Defence
Jack Butland has been one of the most consistent shot-stoppers in the Premier League and will start in the Stoke goal. The English international will have to carry his form to dismantle a consistent Newcastle.
The addition of Kurt Zouma has given the Potters solidity at the back and given Hughes’ knack to play a three-man defensive system, the French international looks absolutely perfect in this system.
Stoke invested heavily in strengthening their defence as they brought in two central defenders in Bruno Martins Indi and Kevin Wimmer. Martins Indi played his part also in the last season and knows the playing style of Hughes. He will feature alongside Wimmer and Zouma in the three-man backline.
Midfield
Darren Fletcher will be at the helm of things in the midfield and will be oiling the machine by sitting back deep in the middle of the pitch.
Joe Allen will be spicing up things in the midfield to add some attacking endeavours to the side. Mame Diouf was used in a right wingback position in the last match and given his performances, he is set to continue in that position.
Eric Pieters will perform his natural duties as a left wingback.
Attack
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting single-handedly denied Manchester United the three points as the forward scored a brace to fire his side into a very strong position. The 28-year-old will start in a more central attacking role.
Xherdan Shaqiri will start alongside him in that position. Jese Rodriguez has taken the Premier League by storm and will stick to his place up front. Here is how they might line up:
