I think you are over-estimating the Geordies. They are more crocked than we are. http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-preview/313602/newcastle-united-v-southampton
Midfielders Mehdi Abeid (foot), Siem de Jong and Gabriel Obertan (both thigh) and Rolando Aarons (hamstring) are all on the comeback trail, although none are expected to make the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton.
Jonas Gutierrez continues his battle for fitness after recovering from testicular cancer, while goalkeepers Rob Elliot (thigh) and Jak Alnwick (shoulder), defender Steven Taylor (Achilles), utility man Ryan Taylor (knee) and striker Adam Armstrong (foot) are still out, while Cheick Tiote and Pa**** Cisse are away on African Nations Cup duty.