Pardew plays down top four hopes

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew says his team are still ‘outsiders’ to finish in the top four because of their tough last two matches.

Pardew’s men have won seven of their last eight outings to sit just a point behind third-placed Arsenal.

They sit fifth in the table, level on points with Spurs, who hold fourth by account of goal difference.

Speaking ahead of their huge clash against English Premier League leaders Manchester City, Pardew said it would be difficult for his team to break into the qualifying places for the Champions League.

“I think we are still the outsiders (to finish in the top four) purely because of the fixtures we have got, and the fixtures that Arsenal and Spurs have got,” Pardew said on Friday.

“We could win both games and still not get into the Champions League, which would hurt.

“But we are going to try and do that and hopefully Arsenal or Spurs slip up somewhere. Everybody has got tough games in the Premier League, there are no give me games in this division.”

Newcastle meet Everton on the last day of the season, while Arsenal take on Norwich and West Bromwich Albion in their last two matches.

Tottenham face Aston Villa and Fulham.

In-form striker Papiss Cisse, who struck a brilliant double in Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday, has netted 13 goals in 12 appearances for the club since joining in January.

Pardew warned Manchester City the Senegal international could be what stands between them and winning the title.

“I am pleased that we have him now rather than at the end of the season because we certainly wouldn’t be where we are now without him,” Pardew said.

“It was great to secure his services and he has been a massive asset for us. Our team has evolved a little bit around him, and we play some decent football, and it gives him the opportunity to finish.

“He is at the spearhead of most of our attacks, and he doesn’t miss often. So he is going to be a real threat to Manchester City, and he could decide the title.”