Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has said the home fans at St James’ Park on Saturday will have make life difficult for his Stoke City side this weekend.
The Potters travel to Teeside this weekend trailing Rafael Benitez’s side by one point in the Premier League.
Hughes – formerly of Manchester United and Chelsea – believes his Stoke side will have a tough time on Saturday as they look for their second win of the Premier League season.
“It is never easy going to Newcastle, always difficult in front of their own fans.” said Hughes.
“Newcastle are not going to be easy, they have just got two good results and they will be encouraged by that.”
The Magpies will be looking to complete a hat-trick of top flight wins after having come out on top against both West Ham and Swansea in recent weeks, and Hughes believes that will be enough motivation for the home side to make it a enthralling game.
“So they are looking for three wins on the belt and that is what they will use for motivation, so we will have to be ready for that.
“They (Newcastle fans) come in big numbers and you know they get behind their team if their team show desire and good football, which they always appreciate up there.
“We will have to play well but if we give ourselves the opportunity, with our form, then they will know it is a difficult game.”
