Pardew: 'We're Ready For Rangers'

By Steven Back

Returning to action following the international break, Newcastle United will be looking for their sixth win in a row against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday at St. James' Park (3pm kick-off).

And Magpies boss Alan Pardew is only too aware of the rising expectations on Tyneside as they prepare to face Harry Redknapp's struggling R's.

"This break seems like a very long time and we have had some injuries but hopefully we can carry on the good form," said Pardew.

"There is a little more expectation on us now than in previous weeks and therefore a different type of hurdle for these younger players to overcome.

"QPR have definitely improved and Harry has got a good unity in the team, so I don't think they will be down the bottom end for long, but I hope on Saturday we can beat them."

With the disruption of players departing and arriving for their respective nations through the last fortnight, Pardew has used that time well to assess the depth of his squad.

And despite a string of injury concerns, as well as some stars returning very close to Saturday's clash, Pardew remains confident his squad can pick where they left off against West Bromwich Albion.

"The break gives you a little more time to address the balance, to get a team with the right technical flair and fight in them to win against what is an improving QPR side," he added.

"It will be a tough game and the emphasis will be on us and hopefully we can deliver.

"Papiss (Cisse) won't arrive until Friday afternoon from Senegal and so we still have people coming in. We are literally kicking off the game with more or less zero preparation on the training ground.

"But we get chance to do it on the board before the game and we are in good shape so we should be okay."

A limited amount of tickets are still available for Saturday's home fixture against Queens Park Rangers. For more information, or to secure your seat, click here.