Previous positive results at Newcastle have seen Stoke spring a surprise late on, but it is time for Mark Hughes’ men to show off their attacking talent.
Stoke City have won on just one of their eight trips to St James’ Park in the 21st century, but that has not prevented them from frustrating Newcastle United on numerous occasions.
As well as that 2-1 victory in 2010 – secured through a late James Perch goal – Stoke picked up points with last-ditch equalisers in both 2008 and 2015.
A third draw came in the sides’ last meeting on Tyneside, where a phenomenal display from goalkeeper Jack Butland kept the game goalless, saving brilliantly from Aleksandar Mitrovic, Moussa Sissoko and Jamaal Lascelles.
But Stoke – who have found form in recent weeks – claim to now be about more than frustrating opponents, instead seeking to play an attractive, winning brand of football.
Newcastle fans may well scoff at the thought as they have seen little evidence of that in Stoke’s previous visits, but Mark Hughes’ men have picked up some impressive results in recent weeks.
If Hughes does hope to shift the long-held perceptions about Stoke, though, they really need to start delivering some statement performances.
The victory against Arsenal, a point at West Bromwich Albion and another draw against Manchester United were all commendable, but each game saw Stoke catch out seemingly superior opposition.
Against promoted Newcastle on Saturday, it is time for Hughes’ side – boasting exciting talents like Jese Rodriguez and Xherdan Shaqiri – to come out and attack a winnable away game.
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