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Pardew Plots Tyne-Wear Triumph
Written by Newcastle Utd
United will be looking to bounce back and end the week on a high, as they face local rivals Sunderland
By Steven Back
Newcastle United will be looking to bounce back and end the week on a high, as they face local rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.
The Magpies suffered back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur over the last seven days but, manager Alan Pardew is relishing an 'electric' atmosphere at St. James' Park and the possibility of his side climbing back up the Barclays Premier League table.
He is also well aware that, as United head towards the second half of the campaign, this result could determine perceptions on how they have fared in the first period.
"I've been lucky enough to play in cup finals and things like that but the electricity of this game is something you have to be at to appreciate, and I'm looking forward to experiencing that again," said the boss.
"The perception of the season could change. If Sunderland win then they've had a good first half of the season and if we win then we've had a really good first half.
"Points-wise it's still three points, and we must not get away from that. We are in a great position in the league and if we win then we can take ourselves right in amongst the top six again.
"This is the period when top teams come through. There is no mystery to me that Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all picking up now as they have bigger squads and real quality and they are in the groove.
"If you're going to make an impact you have to do it in December. We have got tough games and we've got to try get the best results we can.
"If we can make it through to January in this position I would take it now and I think we could have a good second half to the season."
Searching for their first home win against Sunderland since October 2010, when the Magpies famously won 5-1, Pardew believes his new-look side has the confidence and character to get past the Black Cats.
"This is an occasion, like any big derby, where some players just don't grasp the intensity," he said.
"Some players freeze and are overzwed by the size of the fixture. I'll be watching out for that.
"You are looking out for certain things but it is a great occasion and you know the best players respond.
"That's the sort of atmosphere you want to play in and I think most of our players are looking forward to it in the best possible way.
"I think with us being at home and with where we are in the league we must be favourites, but the derby is such as game that really and truly it all goes out the window.