Newcastle v Swansea
Newcastle will be keen to capitalise on Swansea's poor away form and get their Premier League campaign back on track when they host the Welsh side at St James' Park on Saturday.
After a storming start to the season which saw Alan Pardew's men sitting second in the table just over a month ago, the Toon have let things slide in recent weeks. Injuries and suspensions, coupled with a tough run of fixtures, have seen the Magpies go four games without a win, losing three of those encounters.
Recent losses against Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as a 4-2 defeat at Norwich last time out, have left Pardew's side seventh in the table and five points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places. The Magpies will look to address that winless streak at St James' Park this weekend, where they have lost just once this season, against Chelsea a fortnight ago.
The visit of Brendan Rodgers' promoted Swans could be an ideal opportunity to do so, with the Welsh side yet to win on their travels this term. Despite their woeful form on the road, Swansea currently sit in mid-table thanks to an impressive home record.
Rodgers' men enjoyed a 2-0 triumph over Fulham at the Liberty Stadium last weekend, during which in-form goalkeeper Michel Vorm saved a Clint Dempsey penalty to keep the Cottagers out. They will be desperate to carry the momentum from that win into Saturday's game, but their history on Tyneside suggests they could struggle.
The Swans have lost on their last three trips to the North East, failing to score on any of those visits, with their last victory coming in 1980 when they secured a 2-1 win.
Newcastle boss Pardew will make late decisions over a trio of players as he attempts to bolster his options for the clash. Skipper Fabricio Coloccini (thigh), fellow central defender Mike Williamson (ankle) and midfielder Cheick Tiote (knee) will all be assessed on Friday before the manager names his team. Midfielder Dan Gosling is suspended following his sending-off at Norwich last weekend, while Steven Taylor (Achilles) and Danny Guthrie (groin) remain on the injured list.
Swans manager Rodgers welcomes back midfielder Joe Allen to the squad after he served a one-match ban for his sending-off at Blackburn. The return of Steven Caulker and Danny Graham from injury last weekend provided a welcome lift for the Welsh side, with both expected to feature.
Possible starting XIs:
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, Santon, Obertan, Cabaye, R Taylor, Gutierrez, Ba, Ameobi.
Swansea: Vorm, Richards, Williams, Caulker, Taylor, Britton, Gower, Allen, Sinclair, Dyer, Graham.