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Pardew: 'We Can Beat The Blues'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew believes United can cause an upset and beat Premier League pace-setters Chelsea
By Steven Back
As Newcastle United prepare to face Chelsea on Saturday, manager Alan Pardew believes the Magpies can cause an upset and beat the Barclays Premier League pace-setters.
Jose Mourinho's men have yet to lose in any competition this season, and are currently six points clear at the top of the division after 14 games.
But Pardew believes they will taste defeat at some point, and hopes United can be the ones to achieve that this weekend at St. James' Park.
"Chelsea are sending out the right messages right now," said Pardew.
"They are unbeaten but somewhere along the line they will slip up and hopefully on Saturday we can exploit any weakness they have.
"This is as good a Chelsea team I've seen, and I've been watching them since I was about 12, so I know them pretty well.
"I think Jose (Mourinho) is pretty pleased with what he has but mentally we are in a strong position, with one defeat in nine.
"We have a good spirit and confidence and we are learning lessons along the way.
"We need to threaten Chelsea but it's going to be a cracking game because they look terrific and the fans know it's a top team turning up."
After Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Burnley, Pardew is under no illusions that the visit of Chelsea will be United's toughest test of the 2014/15 campaign to date.
And the boss has told his players to relish the challenge of inflicting a first defeat of the season on the Blues.
"As a coach it's the same as the players - you have to rise to the occasion," he added.
"I can't wait for the game and I hope the players are the same. You know you are getting on the same pitch as the likes of (Eden) Hazard, (Diego) Costa, (Cesc) Fabregas and John Terry.
"It's fantastic. You have got to raise your game and if you don't get inspired by that, then don't play the game.
"We are going into the game in good heart and we are looking forward to it.
"They are better team this year (than last season) and look confident but that doesn't mean we can't beat them. We have tremendous pace in the team and good technical assets and we will give it as good a go as we can."
A limited amount of tickets remain for Saturday's fixture against Chelsea. For more information on how to secure your seat at St. James' Park, click here.