Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew returns to St James’ Park this weekend, and the result, one way or another, will contribute greatly to the relegation scrap.
Palace face Newcastle this weekend in a game that doubles as the return to a former home for both Coach Alan Pardew and French midfielder Yohan Cabaye. Pardew originally brought Cabaye to Newcastle in 2011 and he remained there until 2014 when he left to return to France before reuniting at the beginning of the season.
Pardew had a difficult time with the Magpies. Spells of his tenure included the fans asking for his resignation, given that Mike Ashley was highly unlikely to do so. In fact, the Toon Army were calling for Pardew to be sacked before he left despite having the side in a good position and he had won the manager of the month award soon before he moving to Crystal Palace.
During his four year spell at Newcastle, he had a 38.4% win ratio, not helped by general inconsistency, but brought in some key players such as Cabaye and Papiss Cisse.
In terms of results, Pardew led Newcastle to their best start to a League campaign in 17 years when they went unbeaten in 11 games at the beginning of the 2011-12 season. He was also able to guide the club to their first European quarter-final in eight years when they beat Anzhi Makhachkala 1-0 in 2013 and lead Newcastle to their first win at Old Trafford in 41 years after defeating the Red Devils in December 2013.
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Since that time Newcastle have struggled to get out of the constant relegation battle that they once again find themselves in the position of sitting in 19th position. They are only one point away from getting out of the relegation zone with 3 games to go however their rivals Sunderland who currently occupy 16th position have a game in hand.
Pardew has faced Newcastle as manager of Palace twice, and is unbeaten. This includes a domineering 5-1 at Selhurst Park earlier this season.
Palace will be going into the clash with some confidence after earning a route to the FA Cup final with a win over Watford at the weekend. Their performance came of the back of the hard work provided by Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha who also both helped the Eagles get a draw 1-1 against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
WATCH: Crystal Palace have played four games in 12 days and Alan Pardew is not happy about it! #SSNHQ https://t.co/drFltjWYWE
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) April 22, 2016
Good signs for a Palace outfit that have enjoyed little success since the turn of the year and find themselves in 16th position. Manchester United, who the Eagles will face in the FA Cup are currently in a position where they should be able to qualify for Europe based on league position, currently sitting 5th, while Palace will secure a birth in the Europa League just by getting to the final.
The match against Newcastle has major implications for both teams. It is a tight table from 11th to the position that Palace currently occupy and if they were able to get the win over The Magpies they could rise as high as 11th with only two points separating 11th from 16th.
For Newcastle, the result is probably more important given that they are only one point away from moving out of the relegation zone. However, Sunderland’s game in hand against Everton at home means that every dropped point makes the task that much harder.
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