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Boss Hoping For Britannia Boost
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew knows his side will be in for a tough test at Stoke but is determined to record a first league win of the season
By Steven Back
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew knows his side will be in for a tough test at Stoke City on Monday night, but is determined to record their first Barclays Premier League win of the season in the Potteries (8pm kick-off).
The Magpies travel to the Britannia Stadium to face a Stoke team who are yet to register a point - or a goal - at home in the league so far this campaign.
However, Pardew knows Stoke's overall home record since their arrival in the top flight in 2008 is impressive, and after a tricky start for United, believes both sides will look at Monday's fixture as a platform to get themselves back on track.
"It's always tough to go there," he said of the Britannia Stadium.
"We got beat there last year, it was a tough day for us and we are looking for a better showing than we did that day.
"The home form is something Stoke will look to correct but really both of us are fighting but for different causes.
"We obviously had a great result midweek (in the Capital One Cup), we are still looking for our first league win, but I would say we have been unfortunate not to have one yet and we are looking to get that on Monday night."
Summer signing Siem de Jong and England Under-20 international Rolando Aarons both remain unavailable for Monday's match, with respective thigh and hamstring injuries.
However, Pardew will be able to call upon the trio of Tim Krul, Papiss Cisse and Yoan Gouffran, who missed Newcastle's midweek trip to Crystal Palace through illness.