Sunday, April 01, 2012

Pardew Relishing Reds Test

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is expecting 'fireworks' ahead of another epic battle with Liverpool on Sunday.

The 50-year-old began his rein at St James' Park with a 3-1 victory over the Reds in December 2010 but has also been on the receiving end of some painful results against the Merseyside club.

The FA Cup alone has provided a famous semi-final win over Liverpool as a Crystal Palace player as well as a heart-breaking final defeat as West Ham manager.

Newcastle and Liverpool are now set to battle it out in a crunch Premier League clash on Sunday.

"Liverpool brings out no middle ground for me," Pardew said.

"I have been beaten by them 9-0, I won a semi-final when they probably had the strongest team they have ever had and we should never have won.

"I was winning with 90 minutes on the clock in the FA Cup final and I was denied, and we should have won in extra-time, so that was another massive low.

"Then obviously, my first game here was a massive win, very, very important for my tenure and everything else that has gone on since.

"There is no middle ground, so expect fireworks either really negatively or really positively."

Newcastle go into the game eight points clear of the Merseyside club knowing a draw would be enough to cement sixth place.

Pardew admits though that his side has a long way to go before they can match Liverpool for silverware.

"They are a club steeped in a tradition of winning trophies, and they have won another one this year.

"We haven't got that tradition, unfortunately, and we need to try to gain it.

"But we have had a great season in the Premier League and we are trying to continue that on Sunday against what is a very talented team."

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