St. James’ Park against lower-league opposition, however, most definitely is. I get the feeling that tonight will prove to be another indicator of the “wheat” and “chaff” in our current squad, with the likes of Taylor, N’Zogbia and Enrique looking to build on decent performances in the aforementioned drubbing and the likes of Carr, Cacapa, Viduka and Owen proving that they still have a part to play here for the new manager – whoever he may be. Stoke were a big, bruising team, but they lack any sort of technical ability and pace, we should have enough to beat them up here.

Saying that, I’m sure I’d have predicted the same against Birmingham City last season, even though the conditions were fairly similar. Our squad is once again decimated due to various reasons and we look likely to either play the dreaded 4-5-1/4-3-3 or have a decidedly attack-minded (and small) midfield in against Stoke’s giants. The crowd is probably going to be minimal, the atmosphere focused more on campaigns for the new manager (Shearer, Shearer, etc.) and the players will quite probably struggle. They shouldn’t do, because they get paid enough as professionals to act professional, but they will.

So then, the dreaded prediction is upon us once more. In trying desperately to keep with my usual sunny disposition I’m predicting that we’ll sneak through after extra time with a “big decision” going our way that probably shouldn’t have. I don’t see us walloping them, I don’t see them walloping us, but I’m expecting a thoroughly naff game of football that we could very well lose. Joy.

To cap it all, the game at Old Trafford on staurday evening was pretty horrendous, particularly when you consider it was still 0-0 at half time! The second half of that game saw Man United demolish us, and Alan Smith stupidly get sent off for verbals at the referee over a goal that wasn’t going to change the outcome, and literally on full time as well.

So the confidence that was low anyway, can’t have got too much better, and now we have a Cup Replay to play. The game a week and a half ago down at the Britannia Stadium showed that Stoke will prove to be tough opponents. They matched us all the way, and perhaps even shaded it (although Garth Crooks somewhat exaggerated their achievements on Match of the Day). It is vital that we win this game. It’s important to get morale lifted and the FA Cup is still a possibility. OK, we’ve got Arsenal away in the next round if we get past Stoke, and when I saw the draw my reaction was ‘oh s***!’ as well, but you never know do you?

I’m far from down about our situation. Uncertain - definitely, but if we get this right (and yes, I’m leaning towards that side of things) and this could be a turning point for the club. Morale is low, but we can play our part, the team needs us. Whatever our opinions about the sacking and or who should come in to replace Allardyce, or anything else, PLEASE put any doubts or negativities aside tonight. Tonight we have to rally behind and support the team, and help to get their spirits up. You can pay on the gate tonight, so those of you who were just planning on a quiet night in and watching it on the telly, come on, if you’ve got the cash then get your arses up to the ground and support the team - THEY NEED YOU!

I’m looking forward to the game, and I hope that everyone feels the same way and we can muster up a bit of noise, passion and support.