Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes it is vital that his side react to their 6-0 hammering by Liverpool against West Ham United this weekend.

Pardew takes the Magpies to one of his old clubs - where he served as manager from 2003 to 2006 - as he looks to guide the Tynesiders to Premier League safety.

He told the club's official website: "I certainly didn't expect to be in this position at the start of the year, going there, but that's where we are and we have to accept that.

"We are where we are so the most important thing is the performance and a reaction to Saturday's game."

Newcastle are 17th in the Premier League, just five points clear of the relegation zone.