Pardew challenges Magpies to find form

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has challenged his players to find their best form for a tough double-header against Bordeaux and Manchester United.

The Magpies have struggled to replicate last season's performances this campaign and have ground out results in recent weeks. However, the arrival of Bordeaux on Tyneside for Thursday night's Europa League Group D clash and Manchester United's impending visit on Sunday present Pardew's men with the perfect opportunity to finally slip into gear.

The manager said: "We have been disrupted this year by injury more than anything, and that has hurt us again tomorrow with losing Steven Taylor.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.