KaKa

Gives Pardew the chance to go out and try something new imo. Something like Jonas, Tiote and Cabaye in midfield with HBA behind two strikers. Just an idea like but something I could imagine he'd like to try at least against Everton.

 

I'd prefer to go on with the very same formation, just to bring in Marveaux or even Ben Arfa for Obertan. I guess it'll be good for HBA to start on the right wing because there he's not that much involved and won't have that many opponent players like throught the middle.

I was thinking about this yesterday. I agree that we might see HBA behind a front two at some point, as we seem to be committed to playing two forwards, and Pardew wants HBA through the middle.

Mike Ashley = 

Even though Krul doesn't always get it right, I love how he comes out for the ball. He isn't intimated. So many keepers bottle it and are so hesitant.

Have to say though, although it was a good cross, if it didn't have Ba on the end of it then it might not have been so good...

He clearly looked up and saw the position Ba was in, and played the perfect ball, and so it was a great cross.

Obertan 

Good lad. Slowly, but surely. Slowly, but surely.

So happy for Best. Always liked him. Ben Arfa and Marveaux might be waiting a while with the way things are going. Hope they're patient types!

That was dodgy from Walters. Hits him with his shoulder.

Looking forward to hearing Pulis answer questions about Ba at the end of the match.

What a signing Demba Ba has proven to be.

Huth will probably play upfront when he comes on.

Doesn't the smaller pitch make it more difficult for Stoke to get down the wings so they can get crosses in? Really silly tactic.

Huth coming on. Can't stand the guy.

Gutierrez and Obertan doing a great job getting back and shutting these guys down.

Obertan 

If that had gone in the goal ...wow.

Krul is awesome. Brave kid.

Stokes central midfield is tragic.

Ba is a handful. Fantastic start to the game for him.

What a ball from Cabaye just then.

Still expecting one of those throws to lead to a goal.

You need to lower your expectations then.

Great pressing by the team. The smaller pitch actually helps us int hat respect. If we do it consistently Stoke will struggle to pass it well enough to create enough chances hopefully.

Unlucky there Ba. Why are their fans having a go at Ba! 

It's your goofy manager who dropped the ball by not signing him. He actually wanted to join your horrible team.

Obertan 

Nice ball from Guthrie. Need more balls played in behind for obertan. Great pace.

Stokes scouting system in full force 

 

http://img.allvoices.com/thumbs/image/609/480/71364971-indonesias-tallest.jpg

Can see Obertan scoring and having a decent game, after all the moaning about him.