Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is worried about his side's recent poor form and hopes his team can get back to winning ways at Stoke on Wednesday.

The Magpies have struggled with the rigours of european and domestic football this season, which was evident in the 2-0 defeat at Southampton at the weekend.

The result leaves them 14^th in the league, just four points off the relegation zone heading into the midweek round of games.

Pardew can once again call up his captain Fabricio Coloccini who returns from suspension, but Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohann Cabaye and Shola Ameobi will once again miss out.

The Newcastle manager said: “We're worried, of course we're worried, because we are Newcastle United and we've really got that dressing room to take into Wednesday night.

“It's not like we can add four or five players from the squad into that group.

“That is our group and they have been soundly beaten and are going to another tough place.

“We have three days to try and lift the team to try and get ready for another tough game.” (Sporting Life)

After 2,000 fans made the trip to St Mary’s Pardew is hoping the fans will be treated to a better showing next time out.

“I am looking forward to the next game and hopefully performing better for our fans,”Pardew added.

“They came a long, long way and they are the greatest set of fans in the country, in my opinion.

“Perhaps we need them more than we did last year because the team really needs a lift.”