Stoke v Newcastle

A scoreline prediction of 0-0 for this match is more a tribute to the respective defences than it is a comment on a lack of firepower. Newcastle have the best defence in the Premier League, conceding just twice in total away from St James’s Park. Stoke are seriously mean at the Brittania Stadium; their defence has been breached just once in the league, when Man Utd came to town. Clean sheets all round have to look like a decent bet at a best price of 9/1 with StanJames.

For those still not convinced, there are other factors to consider. The unbeaten Toon Army have actually scored fewer than they had this time last season, yet have picked up eight points more. Success has entirely been built on discipline and grinding out results. The absence of Shola Ameobi on Monday night will only reduce the attacking potency that little bit more. The Potters are having another decent campaign too, but they have fired in just 22 shots on target - the fewest in the whole top flight.

If ever there was a match that looked likely to see two teams cancel each other out, it’s this one. Normally the most likely outcome for a random game is thought to be 1-0, 2-0 or 1-1, and the odds on the top pick would be around 6/1. 0-0 should be the most likely score here but the odds are still stretched at 9/1 with StanJames. In other words, good value.