By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Alan Pardew is well aware that his Newcastle United side are favourites for Thursday's Europa League qualifier against Atromitos, and admits a positive result is a crucial outcome of their trip to Greece.

The Magpies take on their Super League opponents at the Peristeri Stadium on Thursday evening (8pm kick-off local time) in the first leg of the fourth qualifying round tie, with both sides aiming to make the competition proper.

With United due to tackle Chelsea less than 48 hours after the fixture though, it is anticipated that the boss will make a handful of changes to his starting line-up.

But even if that happens, Pardew expects his side to finish the first leg in a winning position.

"We play Chelsea on Saturday, the heat and the elements here are going to make it difficult for us," he explained to the press on Wednesday evening.

"So we are trying to factor in all of that, and also get a result. And that is the most important thing - that Newcastle get a result tomorrow night.

"Our focus is very much on how we are going to win, and hopefully we achieve that.

"I guess in terms of Premier League standing you would put us as favourites, but we are inexperienced, we are coming to a temperature that is going to be uncomfortable for us and the opposition - Atromitos - are a very hard-working, organised team.

"We are going to have to make sure that we try and dictate the game. If we can do that then I think we can get a positive result."

United's squad in Athens is without the likes of captain Fabricio Coloccini, last season's top scorer Demba Ba and midfielder Cheick Tiote, who are all struggling with knocks.

"We've brought everybody that's fit," admitted Pardew.

"So the guys who have stayed behind are all injuries, of which Demba Ba is one, Coloccini and Cheick Tiote.

"We have got three or four younger players who we would have liked to have brought, but they are injured too, so the senior group is all here."

To watch Alan Pardew's press conference and the players in training on Wednesday night, log on to nufcTV later tonight