Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hopeful that his side can spring an upset this weekend and inflict a first defeat of the season on Chelsea.

The Magpies have recovered from a slow start to the season to climb within four points of a European spot in the Premier League table.

However, having won five league games on the bounce recently it is now no win in two for Newcastle, who come up against a formidable Blues side at St James' Park on Saturday evening.

"Mentally we are in a strong position and our confidence is high," Pardew told reporters. "We have good spirit and are learning lessons along the way.

"We need to threaten Chelsea because they look terrific. They are a great team who are strong and organised. Somewhere along the line Chelsea will slip up and hopefully we can exploit any weaknesses they have."

Newcastle follow up this weekend's clash with a trip to face Arsenal, before a meeting with local rivals Sunderland in a little over two weeks' time.