Third effort from range is dragged comfortably wide by Gouffran, The Potters have strung together a few decent passes and have contained the hosts to long range efforts so far
The Boxing Day atmosphere is so far a little tame despite two early chances for the hosts.
Cabaye with a swinging hit from the right side of the penalty area, looked to be dipping but goes wide.
First effort for Newcastle, Sissoko coming in on his right-foot hits an effort from 30-yards that deflects comfortably into Sorensen's arms.
The teams are out and we are ready to go! The Potters to kick-off
Report and reaction to follow on stokecityfc.com, post-match videos to come on Stoke City Player
and there's the final whistle. Stoke triumphant here, 2-1 the final scorer against Aston Villa. And as things stand, that result lifts the Potters into the top half! Tenth in the table now, happy days
Four minutes of stoppage time to see out though, says the fourth official
Stoke head it clear, it was either Adam or Walters. We should be home and dry now
Villa corner here in the last minute. Come on Stoke, hold out
Peter Crouch voted as the sponsors' man of the match
Bacuna now on for Albrighton as well
Seven minutes to ride out here. It's Stoke are with the ball in the main though. We're not camped in our own half by any stretch
Begovic comes out a long way there to punch a cross. Villa look to take advantage of him out of his goal but a shot from the left isn't on target
Assaidi brought down by Lowton from behind, a blatant trip, but there's no booking
Crouch with the knock down, Adam runs onto it well, turns the defender and dispatches superbly well
And Stoke score! Charlie Adam!
Clark booked for hacking down Walters on the halfway line
He then whips in a corner but Guzan claims well
Adam cross looks destined for Walters at the back post area but the defender is well positioned and heads behind
And here come the visitors, and the officials
Charlie Adam is coming on at the break, Arnautovic is the one to be replaced
Stoke are back out now, we're still waiting on VIlla though
Goalless at the break here. Still all to play for. Let's see how they return in the second half
MH: We have points targets for the season and for the Christmas period, and I am comfortable with where we are currently. We are on target, but we do feel that we should have had another few on the board, because we have lost some in games that we shouldn't have. Hopefully, between now and the end of the season we can get those points back and finish in a good league position, which is what we are trying to achieve.
MH: It's a home game tomorrow and they will be crucial to our success this season. We will be positive as always and we will do what we can to get the three points. We have a tough schedule coming up, there is no denying that - but we will go into each game with the belief that we can win them.
MH: Robert won't be involved in the Christmas period, but Marc has come in and been exceptional so that has been pleasing. We don't want to rush Robert because his long term availability is more important than his short-term availability.
MH: He is out of contract at the end of the season, and in Stephen's mind he doesn't see his long-term future at Villa. He will have offers I am sure of that but hopefully he see's his future here.