Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce is confident his job doesn't depend on beating Stoke City in this weekend's FA Cup meeting.

After defeat to Manchester City last night, Allardyce said: "For me, no. I am not thinking about that side of it at all, but I am not daft enough not to know that I am in the results business and I need to win some football matches.

"That's clear, but I will have to look at the encouraging performances today and at Chelsea and look to get the right decisions from the players at the right times.

"With that and a bit of luck, we can look to be a bit more ruthless in front of goal - but we are creating chances.

"They (Stoke) will fancy it now won't they? They will think we are there for the taking.

"The FA Cup relieves the pressure of the Premier League - it is not the same competition and it is a straight knockout.

"You have got one chance and we have to make sure we take it and not miss the opportunity to get into the next round because that could be a confidence-booster and turn our Premier League performances, which are good, into results.

"But it is a tough month for us."