Newcastle face a stiff test when they travel to Russia to take on a strong Anzhi Makhachkala side in the last 16 first leg of the Europa League.
The Magpies have been pretty impressive so far, advancing into the pre-quarterfinals despite their patchy form in the English Premier League. However, Anzhi are a side capable of winning the Europa League and Alan Pardew's men will have to be at their best to come away with a positive result from Russia.
"We're just pleased to be here," Pardew said. "Moscow is a fantastic city and we're really looking forward to coming and hopefully putting on a good performance against what you would have to consider as one of the favourites in the competition.
"I've even grown a beard because Russia is famous for people with great beards -- not just Lenin in particular, I just think it would be nice to pay some respects when you go to certain places."
Pardew, who will be without Fabricio Coloccinig, but could welcome back Hatem Ben Arfa, believes Newcastle are the underdogs, but insisted his side were capable of pulling off an upset.
"We've been studying them for three weeks so we have a good knowledge of their style, of their ability," he added.
"Individually, I know (Yuri) Zhirkov from his Chelsea days and also Willian is somebody that I know well. In terms of (Lassana) Diarra, who's the main source of their midfield, again he's somebody that we know well.
"So it's not an unfamiliar team to us and the fact that they played twice against Liverpool (in the group stages) gives us insight into them. I think for us, we certainly are the underdogs in this tie. The surface and the quality of the opposition is going to make it very difficult for us to get through.
"I think our mentality is strong. This tie is going to be close and I think the result here will have a huge reflection on St. James' Park because that is an advantage for us, that the second leg is there - for sure."
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Expected lineups: Anzhi: Gabulov; Eshchenko, Joao Carlos, Ewerton, Zhirkov; Akhmedov, Diarra; Boussoufa, Jucilei, Willian; Eto'o.
Newcastle: Eliott; Simpson, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Tiote, Cabaye; Marveaux, Sissoko, Guttierez; Ameobi.
Prediction: 1-1
