Pardew's Balancing Act

By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor

Alan Pardew is hoping to strike the right balance with his Newcastle United side as they travel to Cardiff City on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.

After clean sheets and some low-scoring games earlier in the season, the Magpies' last two league matches have seen them on the wrong end of 3-2 scorlines - against Hull and Everton.

Pardew is confident that United can score goals against anyone in the top flight, given their firepower in the likes of Loic Remy, Papiss Cisse, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yohan Cabaye, but stressed it cannot be at the expense of a solid rearguard.

"We have tried to set ourselves up in a more positive manner but that's no good if you are going to concede goals," explained the manager.

"We have got to make sure we are tighter as a team, we work as a unit and work as one. If we can do that then we have got goals.

"Trust me, the hardest thing in the Premier League is scoring goals."

Pardew believes Cardiff should be proud of their top flight displays to date.

Since winning the Championship last term, the Bluebirds have strengthened their ranks and picked up eye-catching victories over Manchester City and Fulham, as well as draws with Everton and Hull.

"Cardiff are going very, very well under Malky and I have been impressed with their performances," he said.

"They are a team who have come up, added three of four players and have a real spirit and determination to do well in the Premier League.

"That can take players above their level and I think they've got a few who are playing well above the reputation that they have which is making them a very, very good side.

"They will have a good feeling after scoring in the last minute of the last game, and it will be a tough agenda for us.

"But we have the quality to cause them problems, and if we can keep it tight then we will score."