Matt Blazey:, external The new Newcastle away kit makes them all look like massive mint humbugs.

Ethan Robinson:, external You've got to feel for Papiss Cisse. He scores two goals, saving Newcastle and Pardew, then gets benched?

Fahad Khan:, external That Newcastle away kit is bound to give some supporters proper nightmares.

Cracking atmosphere under the floodlights at the Britannia. It's a full house and both sets of supporters are in full voice.

Must do better....

Newcastle win a free-kick about 30 yards from Stoke's goal but Jack Colback's set-piece doesn't even clear the first man.

Adam's back on his feet. But the Scot is still hobbling. In addition Peter Crouch has also been on the receiving end of an early bruising challenge. Newcastle are taking no prisoners.

Image source, Getty Images

Big trouble for Stoke. Charlie Adam, who was involved in a heavy challenge with Remy Cabella, is down again receiving treatment. Adam's no softie. It must be serious.

Former Everton defender Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live

"When you come to Stoke you've got to expect a fast start from the team. I used to hate coming to Stoke - it was always cold, wet and windy and they were difficult to play against."

First real attempt at goal goes the home side's way but it's wayward from Steven Nzonzi from distance. Both sets of players already look drenched! You get the feeling the greasy conditions are going to play a big part.

Conor McNamara
BBC Radio 5 live at the Britannia Stadium

"We've reached that time of year - this is the last Premier League game of September and you don't want to be bottom of the league table. Premier League bosses do get switched over at an alarming rate. Alan Pardew is a threatened species."

Image source, Getty Images

First sounds of 'Delilah' ring out from Stoke fans. Newcastle are wearing green and blue shirts and green shorts! First meaty challenge leaves Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam hobbling.

Rian Hoskins:, external I will be interested to see how Muniesa does. He has impressed in cup competitions, particularly from an attacking perspective.

Sean:, external The law of probability or the intervention of a rogue asteroid are probably Newcastle's only hope.

Alan Stewart:, external The same formation and team which has really done nothing for us yet. Pardew, why?

It's all systems go at a wet, wet, wet Britannia Stadium. Both teams very much in need of three points.

And here come the players. Many 'Sack Pardew' signs being held up at the Newcastle end. Alan Pardew, now dressed in anorak, looks relaxed as he takes his place in the dug-out with Mike Ashley peering down from the main stand.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, PA

The players are in the tunnel. Lots of handshakes and back slapping as Lose Yourself by Eminem thunders out of the speakers. We're almost ready for the off.

Former Everton defender Phil Neville
BBC Radio 5 live

"Every time I have come here as a player the atmosphere has always been fantastic. This is a big game, particularly for Stoke, because a win will take them a few steps up the table."

Matthew Bevis on Twitter:, external Perfect weather conditions in Stoke for a foreign import to prove their worth here.

New Order's Blue Monday is booming out around the Britannia as kick-off approaches. I don't know about blue, but it is a very wet Monday in the Potteries.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United on Twitter:, external Lovely touch by Stoke City, who have a tribute to Jonas Gutierrez on pages four and five of tonight's official match programme.

Magpies midfielder Jonas, 31, revealed earlier this month that he is is being treated for testicular cancer.

Another impressive turnout from Newcastle fans despite their team's troubles. Around 3,500 have made the journey to the Potteries. Most are dressed in the famous black and white stripes and there even a few smiles on display in the away end. But will they be returning to Tyneside happy?

After Mike Ashley's reported comments about Alan Pardew's future, we're asking what is the worst thing your boss has said about you? Let us know on #bbcfootball, external on Twitter, 81111 on text (UK only), or via the BBC Sport Facebook page, external and Google+ pages., external

Michael Blighe:, external 'What, more holidays?' My old boss's reaction when I booked my first week off in about eight months. In good humour, of course.

Nero:, external "Dress for the job you want not the job you've got, so I presume you want to be unemployed for a living?"

Oluaw Dickson:, external "If you don't get your act together I'm afraid I'll have to replace you."

Conor McNamara
BBC Radio 5 live at the Britannia Stadium

"We have just seen Mike Ashley arrive and he signed a few autographs - but they were for Stoke fans, not Newcastle fans."