IT´S the big one tomorrow.

Put one over Newcastle at the Brit and we have one foot in next year´s Premiership.

Lose and we would give the Geordies a leg up that might yet see them stay up at our expense.

And really there should be nothing to fear. Our home record is formidable, their form anywhere has been less than average for more than a year.

A half fit Michael Owen will have to be watched if he plays, but he no longer looks the player who could win a game on his own.

I´m a fan of Obefami Martins, but his lack of confidence was obvious when he missed a penalty against Arsenal.

There situation reminds me of that phase ´be careful what you wish for - you might get it´.

They were sitting half way in the Premier League when they sacked Sam Allardyce, swapped a coach for the cheerleader that is Kevin Keegan and then watched him do what he does, walk off in a huff the moment things get tough.

Joe Kinnear´s choice as manager looked like a desperate move to me and his four letter word rant at an entire press corps summed up their season - a lot of noise but very little resulting from it.

Newcastle need results and we can expect them to try to attack us today, but if we score first then I think there is only going to be one winner.

Newcastle need the win, but given that we have upcoming home matches against Blackburn and West Ham and a trip to ´Fortress Hull´, a draw might yet be enough for Stoke.

Unlike the Toon Army, I expect the Potters fans to back their players throughout the 90 minutes.

And when I get to see them against Blackburn on the 18th, we could be roaring them to a points tally that might be enough to keep us up, barring the kind of miracles for which you need a Messiah.

Hold on, where have I heard that word before...