Ayoze Perez says Newcastle United are up for the fight in the Premier League in 2018.
The Spaniard did not need reminding of just how important the clash at the bet365 Stadium is today as the Magpies look to stave off the threat of relegation at the start of the year.
Perez played only a cameo role in the 0-0 draw with Brighton and reflecting on the final game of 2017, he said: “It was disappointing not to take three points, but that’s what we fought for.
“Unfortunately it didn’t happen for us. In some ways this could be a good result later down the line.
“A draw when you can’t win is something.
“We can make it good by beating Stoke then it will be four points from six.”
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Stoke go into the battle against United on the back of a 5-0 hammering at Chelsea, but Perez warned: “Every single game is tough in the Premier League but we know what we are playing for.
“We are fighting for points and so are Stoke so it will be tough at their stadium.
“They have good players but we are going there to get our points.”