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Newcastle United have been hit with two fresh selection issues ahead of their trip to Stoke City tonight.

United favourite Andros Townsend is doubtful with a knock and may have to sit out of the game.

And Toon striker Papiss Cisse is also unlikely to figure against the Potters with the number 9 more likely to be fit to face either Bournemouth or Leicester in the next two games.

United boss Steve McClaren may not risk either in the crunch game against Stoke.

England international winger Townsend will be assessed by Newcastle medics but any potential withdrawal will be very much a precautionary measure.

Townsend has proved to be a hit with fans since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur, but head coach McClaren may need a rethink on his team selection tonight.

(Image: 2015 Newcastle United)

However, United do welcome back Aleksandar Mitrovic for the clash with Stoke and Paul Dummett, Jack Colback, Siem De Jong and Vurnon Anita are all in the squad.

Speaking ahead of the game in the Potteries, McClaren said: “After a great win and performance against West Brom, which should have had more goals, we were looking upwards.

“Then we went to Chelsea and let ourselves down.

“It must be the most frustrating thing being a fan of Newcastle because week-in, week-out the inconsistency has been there.

“In the last 12 games that’s what we have been talking about a lot, being consistent and making sure in every game we stay in it and fight all the way.”

Watch Lee Ryder give his pre-match thoughts ahead of Newcastle United v Stoke