Newcastle v Blackpool preview

Ben Arfa: Set for debut

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 3-1

One to Watch: Hatem Ben Arfa

Bet on the match

MATCH FACTS

Andy Carroll scored in both games against Blackpool last season in the Championship - Carroll to score a brace 9/2 - BET NOW

Newcastle have won only three of their last 23 games at Premier League level - Newcastle to win 8/15 - BET NOW

Blackpool have allowed their opponents more shots on target against them than any other side (22) - Blackpool to win 5/1 - BET NOW

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Newcastle and Blackpool lock horns at St James' Park on Saturday in a battle between two promoted teams.

Both sides have made encouraging starts to the new season and occupy positions in mid-table after collecting four points from three games.

Newcastle opened their campaign with a loss to Manchester United but recovered sensationally to hammer Aston Villa 6-0 in their only home game so far.

Having also earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Wolves, the Magpies will now be looking for a repeat of their 4-1 victory over Blackpool in the Championship last term.

Chris Hughton has warned his men not to underestimate the Seasiders but he will be in confident mood, especially because in Andy Carroll Newcastle have a striker who is joint top of the early scoring charts with four goals.

Hughton will also have a stronger squad at his disposal for the weekend clash, as Sol Campbell, Cheick Tiote and Hatem Ben Arfa are all available for the first time.

Campbell is in contention after building up his fitness over recent weeks, while midfielders Tiote and Ben Arfa could make their Premier League debuts after summer moves.

However, Spanish striker Xisco begins a three-match ban following his sending-off for the reserves.

Steven Taylor (shoulder), Danny Simpson and Leon Best (both ankle) are also out, while knee injuries keep Danny Guthrie and Dan Gosling on the sidelines.

Blackpool news

Blackpool have struggled for consistency during the early part of the season but Ian Holloway will be happy with their points return and has vowed not to change the team's attacking style.

This fearless approach was fully evident as Blackpool made a dream start against Wigan, but their weaknesses were exposed at Arsenal a week later.

Holloway's side bounced back with a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham before the international break and the past couple of weeks have given Marlon Harewood time to recover from injury.

The striker is back in training following an ankle problem and could return to the starting line-up at St James' Park.

Former Leicester frontman DJ Campbell might also be handed a place in the side but Alex Baptiste is ruled out with a fractured hand so there could be a chance for Dekel Keinan.

Possible starting XIs

Newcastle: Harper, Perch, Coloccini, Campbell, Enrique, Gutierrez, Smith, Barton, Ben Arfa, Nolan, Carroll.

Blackpool: Gilks, Evatt, Crainey, Keinan, Cathcart, Vaughan, Adam, Taylor-Fletcher, Grandin, Ormerod, Harewood.