CHEIK TIOTE returns to the Newcastle United starting line-up for this afternoon’s Premier League fixture with Stoke City at St James’ Park.

CHEIK TIOTE returns to the Newcastle United starting line-up for this afternoon’s Premier League fixture with Stoke City at St James’ Park.

 

The Ivorian missed Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers nearly two weeks ago through injury, but he returns to the side as Alan Pardew’s side look to maintain their push for a place in Europe next season.

 

James Perch is the player to make way for Tiote in an otherwise un changed Magpies team.

 

Despite concerns over a knock suffered in training this week, Tim Krul is fit to take his place in goal, while Davide Santon continues at left back.

 

Tiote is joined in a three-man midfield with Yohan Cabaye and Jonas Gutierrez with Pardew keeping the same system that has proved fruitful in recent weeks.

 

That means Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba continue as a front three against the Potters this afternoon.

 

Newcastle: Krul; Simpson, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Ba.

Subs (not used): Elliot, Ferguson, Perch, Gosling, R Taylor, Best, Shola Ameobi.

 

Stoke City: Begovic; Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Shotton; Wilkinson, Whelan, Palacios, Etherington; Crouch, Walters

Subs (not used): Sorenson, Upson, Whitehead, Pennant, Fuller, Jerome, Jones.