Newcastle United need a really positive result to get themselves going this season. So far, it's been pretty up and down for the Magpies - more down than up, most would say - which is why they find themselves floundering near the bottom of the table.
When they travel to Wales to take on Cardiff in the English Premier League on Saturday, Alan Pardew will want one thing - three points; but also maybe the kind of result that will reinvigorate this already tired looking side into something special like they did two seasons ago.
Cardiff won't make it easy, of course, with Malky Mackay's men already pulling off some impressive results in their first season in the Premier League, including that 2-1 win at Fulham last weekend.
Having scored seven goals and conceded 11 in the Premier League this season from six games, which has yielded seven points, Pardew is looking to balance his attack with his defence, especially after conceding three against Everton on Monday.
"We have tried to set ourselves up in a more positive manner but that's no good if you are going to concede goals," Pardew said. "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."
Following their win over Fulham, Cardiff find themselves just off the top half of the table with eight points, albeit only one more than Newcastle, and Pardew admitted to being impressed with the newly-promoted club's start.
"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."
Team News: Mackay does not have too many injury worries with only striker Andreas Cornelius a doubt.
Pardew will probably welcome back Jonas Gutierrez, while Massadio Haidara and Ryan Taylor are sidelined.
Key men: Cardiff: Peter Odemwingie can cause the Newcastle defence a few problems, while former Sunderland striker Frazier Campbell will be keen to find the back of the net.
Newcastle: Hatem Ben Arfa and Loic Remy are the main men for Newcastle going forward, with Pardew looking to them both for goals and creativity.
Where to watch
The match is scheduled for a 7.30 p.m. (IST) start with a live telecast on Star Sports 2. You can also catch the match online by clicking HERE.
Expected lineups: Cardiff: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Turner, Caulker, Taylor; Kim, Medel, Gunnarsson; Odemwingie, Campbell, Whittingham.
Newcastle: Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Taylor; Santon; Sissoko, Tiote, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Remy.
Prediction: 2-2
