Alan Pardew wary of set plays ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Stoke City

EPL : Alan Pardew, Newcastle United v Liverpool (Getty Images)

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Alan Pardew admits he will be taking a cautious approach as he prepares his Newcastle United side for Saturday’s game away at Stoke City.

Pardew is aware of the aerial threat of the home side and has pointed to the danger they pose from set pieces with tall, physical players like Robert Huth.

“He Huth is particularly forceful for them, particularly at set plays,” Pardew told the club’s official website.

The Newcastle manager admits that he intends to set his team up accordingly to counter the threat and has hinted that he will be naming a defence-minded team.

He said: “You have to be wary of your match selection that you can cope, and there’s not that many teams who can go there with their normal team and be able to dominate.

“Someone like Manchester United may be able to but can we do that?  I don’t know.

“But we will make sure we defend those set plays because they will be coming.”

Pardew believes his Newcastle side will face a difficult challenge in Saturday’s game but insists that although he is concentrating on defending well, he expects his side not to forget their attacking duties.

“It is a tough game Stoke have found some great form,” he said.

“The job Tony Pulis has done there and the way they play make it very difficult for you.

“The pitch is small, so their set plays become more accurate and that is something you have to cope with.

“We will make sure that we can handle their strengths and then play our own game.  We can’t get to distracted by that.”