Pardew Gives Premiership Priority

Alan Pardew has taken an under-strength squad to Athens for tomorrow's Europa League tie against Atromitos because Newcastle play Chelsea in the late kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

He has decided not to risk striker Demba Ba and midfielder Cheick Tiote, who both picked up knocks in last weekend’s win over Tottenham.

Striker Shola Ameobi and skipper Fabricio Coloccini will also sit out the first leg of the Europa League play-off.