A win will go a long way for Pardew

It's fair to say this season hasn't been the best for Newcastle United. The Magpies are currently languishing two points above the relegation zone having picked up just 20 points this season. It's a far cry from their season last year having secured a fifth place finish, coming close to securing a place in the top four.

However, a poor first half of the season has seen the club monumentally fall out of the hunt for a place in Europe after being tipped to challenge for a finish in the Champions League places, such was there performances last season.

Nine defeats in 12 games, including successive losses to Manchester United and Arsenal, means its fair to say Newcastle are involved in a relegation scrap, whether fans want to admit it or not. The loss of form in Papiss Cisse, Demba Ba's expected departure, injury to Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote expected to leave in January for the African Cup of Nations will surely hinder them further.

The pressure has begun to mount on Alan Pardew as a result and it is no surprise. The veteran manager signed an eight-year deal last year and with the form dropping detrimentally, chairman Mike Ashley is in a perilous position as to whether to stick with the Magpies boss or bite the bullet, fork out a monumental payout and move onto the next manager.

Ahead of their encounter with Everton on Wednesday night, many have tipped the Toffees to add to the club's woes, regardless of whether Newcastle are at home. A win for the hosts would certainly go a long way to easing the pressure currently thrust upon Pardew.  

Follow @BenMcAleer1