Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote serves the first game of a three-match suspension for his dismissal against Sunderland. Boss Alan Pardew will recall a number of players rested during Thursday's Europa League game with Club Brugge. West Brom may welcome back Chris Brunt and Billy Jones, but Claudio Yacob is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Jerome Thomas, who has not featured this season because of a knee problem, is also back in training. A year ago Newcastle entered the final week of October unbeaten and deserving of their lofty top-four position. The pre-season predictions of gloom had long since dissipated and it was European, not Championship, football which already beckoned. They ultimately finished a magnificent fifth and the reward for those efforts means they've become accustomed to a more punishing Thursday/Sunday schedule. Six points down on where they were after eight games 12 months ago, it may be possible to attribute that deficit to their Europa League exploits. "Newcastle are one of the top six teams in the country because they still possess a cutting edge, whether that comes from midfield or attack. They will have a good run sometime soon where they will start to win games, and keep on winning." The argument gathers even greater momentum when considering that their two league defeats this campaign have both followed a European assignment, albeit that the two reverses came at the hands of the top two, Chelsea and Manchester United. There's long been a belief that the Europa League is a double-edged sword, where the reward for the previous season's exploits can have an energy-sapping effect on the subsequent campaign. Alan Pardew has been keen to disprove that theory and the Magpies' latest win against Club Brugge was achieved with nine different players to the 11 who had started at Sunderland four days earlier. West Brom, meanwhile, are currently six points above where they were a year ago. Promoted as runners-up to the Geordies in 2010, they've also finished both seasons since comfortably above the drop-zone. They were also one of only three sides to win at St James' Park last campaign - the other two subsequently won the Premier League and Champions League respectively. If the Baggies can repeat last year's result on Tyneside, then maybe they might take Newcastle's lead and begin to re-adjust their target well beyond simply consolidation. This match will give us a better understanding of where we are heading, subject to the result being in West Broms or Newcastles favour,
be mindful though mate... Steve Clarke used to coach the Toon so is, in essence a potential Devious Geordie Bastard. if this is the case he may field a youth side to hand the points to us.
Tiote could be out for the season and I don't think it would have dramatic effect to be honest with you. He was in and out with injuries all last season, and did little to help us achieve the final position.
I couldn't care two ****s about this game personally. However, like any other team, I would be pleased if West Brom won..
last 30 secs of overtime Sammy has a shot at goal, going miles off, hits Cisse on the back and deflects for a goal now we do know that is ****ing LUCK
Couldn't agree more. We were awful second half, barely deserved a point (probably didn't if I'm honest).
Defo luck like! Happy it was Cisse goal though! Got a bet with a mate about him hitting 10!! Better start scoring again!
Haven't watched it lads sounded like a hard game on the radio though and, fair play to them I wouldn't be too concerned how we won as long as we won.
Lucky goal, we were dreadful that 2nd half. But it goes to show, if you take a shot, you might score. Sunderland could do with learning that.
Very lucky indeed, however that's the kind of thing that can happen when you are so bold as to, wait for it.....VENTURE AWAY FROM YOUR OWN 18 YARD BOX EVERY NOW AND AGAIN. Sunderland can only dream of getting that far up the pitch.
Lucky, but I think we deserved it after undeservedly conceding a trampy goal against you last week. Your goal was lucky also.
Two seasons woth of luck must run out some times when there good there good but when there bad there still win strange game
Does anyone know Pardews twitter account username - just I want to ask what the lottery numbers are for wednesday
This is the reason why I'm an atheist..A God would surely not grant anything so evil and bad with so much good luck..
