Shola As Good As Ba And Cisse?

Last updated : 22 September 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Midfielder Cheick Tiote has a chance of being involved for the first time since the opening day of the season, when he suffered a calf injury against Tottenham.

There are likely to be returns too for the rested Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa who has now served his European ban, and for striker Demba Ba.

Alan Pardew: "The other guys get all the headlines, but make no mistake, Shola is as good as them in my opinion, and he showed that last night.

"He was so unlucky not to score. Some of his work in and around the box was different class, and his attitude and application...

"He's a leading light for the team and that's why he was captain."