Premier League: Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew not celebrating anniversary with Chelsea in town

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has put all anniversary celebrations on hold until after the visit of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Next week will mark four years since Pardew took charge at St. James’ Park despite strong calls from fans for him to be sacked earlier this season.

A run of just one league defeat in nine has lifted much of the pressure off Pardew and he is looking forward to pitting his wits against the team he calls the best in the Premier League

"I haven't really thought about it (the anniversary) at this stage because this game takes precedence over anything like that and I will probably review it some other time,” Pardew said.

"As a coach, it's the same as the players - you've got to rise to the occasion and I can't wait for the game and I hope the players are feeling the same way.

Getting on the same pitch as the likes of Hazard and Costa and Fabregas is fantastic and you've got to raise your game.

"Getting on the same pitch as the likes of (Eden) Hazard, (Diego) Costa and (Cesc) Fabregas is fantastic and you've got to raise your game. If you are not going to get inspired by that then don't play."

Pardew will be boosted by the return of Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback for the Saturday lunchtime clash. The Magpies boss is also counting on the form of striker Papiss Cisse since his return from a dislocated knee.

"Papiss is a goalscorer and scoring goals breeds confidence, of course,” he added. “He is a player who has five goals in the Premier League and he's probably only had eight chances.

"That's Papiss - he has a good consistent strike rate when he gets the chances."