Afternoon all. Thank goodness it is Saturday again, hey?! Here we have a Premier League match that has the potential for plenty of goals as Cardiff City play host to Newcastle United at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Right, the team news is already starting to filter through so without further ado, let's begin with the visitors...

NEWCASTLE XI: Krul; Debuchy, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko; Gouffran, Cisse, Remy

To be fair to Alan Pardew, he's named an attacking lineup. Yoan Gouffran, Papiss Cisse and Loic Remy will form a three-pronged frontline, while Yohan Cabaye has made a recovery from a thigh injury to start. There is also a place for Mike Williamson at centre-back as Frenchman Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa drops out.

And here is how the home side will start this encounter...

CARDIFF XI: Marshall; Taylor, Caulker, Turner, Theophile-Catherine; Medel, Whittingham, Kim, Gunnarsson, Odemwingie; Campbell

So, the hosts will begin this clash with just Fraizer Campbell as a lone striker. He'll be supported by Peter Odemwingie, but it's likely that the Nigerian will operate in a wider role. Steven Caulker will captain the team, while French defender Kevin Theophile-Catherine has been handed the role at right-back.

There is also no place in that Cardiff side for Craig Bellamy, who once played for Newcastle. Before we go any further, let's have a look at who will join the Welshman among the substitutes...

CARDIFF SUBS: Lewis, Hudson, Noone, Mutch, Cowie, Maynard, Bellamy

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa, Dummett, Anita, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Sammy Ameobi

Going back to Bellamy, it's fair to say that he had an eventful four years on Tyneside between 2001 and 2005. His stint included last-minute winners in the Champions League, chairs thrown at coach John Carver and rows with cult hero Alan Shearer. Say what you want about the 34-year-old, but there is rarely a dull moment when he is around!

No matter what Newcastle fans think of Bellamy - and my guess is that following is altercation with Shearer he's not massively popular - he was hero in 2002 when his stoppage-time goal against Feyenoord secured Newcastle's route through to the knockout stages of the Champions League. You can relive that moment below.

Anyway, back to this game and while it is vitally important for both of these sides, reports have claimed that is a massive match for Newcastle boss Pardew. In fact, according to a story in The Express earlier in the week, he could be sacked if the Magpies are beaten.

Some will say that because the season is so young, it would make axing Pardew a harsh decision. However, looking at the bigger picture, he almost took Newcastle down last term and had the campaign been two or three games longer, they may have fallen through the trap door. On the flip side, he wasn't helped during the transfer market in the summer with the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football. Like Bellamy, there are few boring days at Newcastle!

When asked about the speculation surrounding his future, Pardew conceded that he had held talks with owner Mike Ashley and Kinnear following Monday's 3-2 defeat at Everton, but nothing should be read into that:

"It's important to go to see the owner after a game like that and make sure that we know where we are coming from," BBC Sport quotes him as saying.

"We had a good meeting after - me, Mike and Joe - just to make sure we know exactly what is going on on the pitch and what's going on in terms of the results. There was nothing untoward there."

Of course, Ashley will not be the only person that will have demanded a positive result today. The Newcastle fans will travel around 650 miles to watch their team in action, so it's unlikely that they will take to kindly to an inept performance.

In tribute to those that have made the lengthy trip, Cardiff have placed posters on each of the seats in the away section, which is a nice touch:

Here are the posters which will be in the away end today! Thanks for travelling #NUFC fans #CardiffCityAway pic.twitter.com/vntCORDKW7 — CardiffCityAwayFan (@CardiffCityAway) October 5, 2013

Right, let's get a Cardiff view on this game, shall we? Yesterday manager Malky Mackay spoke to the club's official website and it is fair to say that he is anticipating a difficult encounter for his side: "I’m expecting nothing other than a very tough game on Saturday, against a team who on their day can take anybody apart when they attack. We come up against another team who have excellent players and International footballers.

"They’re a team that can hurt you but I could say that every week about teams in this league, that’s what we’re up against. Fulham had four or five that can really hurt you but it’s about what you do on the day."

Mackay also had some positive words for his opposite number: "He’s done a very good job at Newcastle. He was given a long-term contract and he’s brought stability to that club. I know Alan well, he’s a good friend of mine and has certainly been a good mentor for me over the past few years. We’ve had plenty of conversations and I played for him as his captain at West Ham so we’ve got a good relationship.

"He’s orchestrated a lot of the recent recruitment at Newcastle, and that stability is important in football. That’s what I’m trying to bring here.

"Of course every team can be fragile at times. He’s a very experienced manager, he knows his squad and has been through plenty of highs and lows as a manager. He knows how to tweak things and he’s proved it coming back from poor results before. He’s got a very dangerous squad there at his disposal and that’s something we have to be wary of."

Back to Pardew and he has just been talking to Sky Sports News. It's fair to say that he is in confident mood: "There is a nice balance to the team. We want to be more offensive this year. We need to tighten up and we've worked on that this week.

"Their spirit and intensity is the big problem here - they test your spirit. Our defence will need to be on its toes. We've got good options in attack to score and I think we will."

Who is for a trip down memory lane then? Cardiff fans have probably tried hard to forget what happened the last time these sides met in February 2010. Andy Carroll scored a brace as Newcastle ran out 5-1 victors at St James' Park. The Black and Whites also won the away fixture 1-0 earlier in the season. Prior to that, there had been no match between these two since 1984 - Newcastle won that match as well!

In total Cardiff and Newcastle have faced each other on 48 occasions. It's currently 21-15 in Newcastle's favour, with 12 draws thrown into the mix. There has also been plenty of goals, with Cardiff scoring 59 times, while Newcastle can boast a return of 84.

PREDICTION! Okay, with only a few minutes until we get started, let's have a stab at predicting the outcome. One thing we should see today is goals because neither side is what you would call watertight. Looking at the starting lineups, you'd have to argue that Newcastle, offensively at least, are stronger. If they are on form, they could well win so let's say 2-1 to the away side.

The players are now out on the pitch and are going through a few final warm-up routines. Only a couple of minutes until we are underway.

GAME ON! Here we go then - Newcastle, attacking from right to left, get this encounter started. Big 90 minutes ahead for both teams.

Very little happened so far, although Newcastle have just mounted their first meaningful attack. The ball is knocked over the top for Moussa Sissoko, who races to the byline. He then gets his head up to cross for Remy, who takes one touch to set himself. The French striker delays his shot, though, and Cardiff clear the danger. Meanwhile, up the other end, Campbell beats Tim Krul to the ball, but he then slips and the chance is gone.

CHANCE! If Newcastle had the Cisse of last season playing for them, they'd be 1-0 up here. Davide Santon picks him out with a neat cross-field pass. His touch is far too heavy and David Marshall is able to race off his line to get his body between Cisse and the ball and the opportunity disappears. A better touch there and he would have scored. It just goes to show how lacking in confidence he is right now.

You'd have to say that Newcastle have started the better of the two teams here. They've just produced a move that must have involved around 15 or 20 passes, but once again it is wasted by Cisse. He shifts the ball onto his right foot 25 yards from goal, but his effort is always rising and flies into the stand behind the goal.

SAVES! Great goalkeeping from Marshall, who has kept his side level here. First he shows great bravery to spread himself and deny Remy from close range, before he dives full stretch to his left to save Sissoko's powerful drive. Cardiff need to gain a foothold in this game because it's all Newcastle right now.

A painful one for Cardiff midfielder Kim as he goes down clutching his shin. Replays show that he was caught by Newcastle's Cheick Tiote, who to be fair only had eyes for the ball. The referee also sees it that way and opts against issuing a yellow card.

Cardiff have just had a corner - an area where they looked so dangerous against Fulham last time out. However, on this occasion Peter Whittingham's delievery is poor and Krul comes out to claim with ease. That sums up the home side's performance so far it must be said.

CHANCE! Another opportunity bites the dust for the away side as Mathieu Debuchy slots in Cabaye, who has the space to shoot. He decides to be unselfish, though, and picks out Remy. It is an instant shot from the Queens Park Rangers loanee, but it's a tame effort and Marshall mops it up easily.

Newcastle lead and you've got to say that it's been coming. It's a counter-attack from Remy, who collects possession on the halfway line. He then makes his way to the Cardiff area, largely unchallenged, before drilling the ball into the bottom corner of Marshall's net. Cardiff will be disappointed with their defending, but that won't bother the away side one jot.

You can't stop Remy at the moment it seems. He's now scored four in his last three outings for Newcastle. They may have needed more fresh faces during the pre-season break, but the one that they did manage to secure appears to be a shrewd acquisition.

Still Newcastle push forward and this time it is Cabaye who goes for goal from distance. It's a routine save for Marshall, but yet more positive signs for the team that are in the lead. In contrast, Cardiff haven't started yet. They need to soon otherwise they could find themselves out of the game.

And out of the game Cardiff may now very well be. It's another lovely passing move from Newcastle involving a host of their French contingent. It's the same scorer as well and what a finish from Remy, who sweeps the ball into Marshall's net with such composure it's scary! A nerveless finish and it's a long way back for the home team now.

OFF THE POST! Well that would have been a goal of the season contender from Cabaye without doubt. He has no right to shoot from so far out with a free kick, but with Marshall expecting a cross, he goes for goal. It catches out the Cardiff goalkeeper, who is rooted to the spot. Thankfully for him and the home team the ball cannons to safety off the upright.

The Newcastle fans are enjoying themselves right now, and why not? Every pass is greeted with an 'Ole' and trust me, there are a lot of completed passes taking place. Cardiff are chasing shadows and need half-time to come badly. Meanwhile, there will be two minutes of stoppage time at the end of this half.

Well, that couldn't have gone much better for Newcastle, who are cruising right now. In fact, the only criticism that could be aimed at them is the fact that they are only 2-0 in front. No doubt Pardew will be demanding more of the same from his players during the half-time team talk.

Meanwhile, you wouldn't expect Mackay to be so composed with his speech in the home dressing room. Quite simply, his side have been off the pace. It's that bad that he may consider making some changes right now, with perhaps Bellamy and maybe even Nicky Maynard coming on to inject some pace and enthusiasm - it's much needed.

The only player likely to be spared Mackay's wrath is goalkeeper Marshall. The Scot may feel that he could have done better with Remy's first goal, but it was well placed in the bottom corner of the net. The truth is, without him, Cardiff would have been four or five down by now because he's produced a string of great saves.

Here is a stat for Newcastle fans from the chaps at Opta: "Remy brace means Newcastle’s last 11 PL goals scored by Frenchmen. Foreign goal streak record is 12 by Arsenal's French force in 2004."

If they score two more today, there is fair chance that they will break Arsenal's record because the only Englishman in their side is Williamson. With the greatest of respect, the centre-back is not exactly known for his clinical instincts in front of goal!

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! Right then, the players are back and Cardiff have restarted the match. Surely they can't be any worse in this half, can they?

SAVE! There can't be many players in the Premier League right now that strike the ball cleaner than Cabaye. The Newcastle midfielder has just curled an effort goalwards from 30 yards out, which forced Marshall to punch clear. It was so important that Newcastle kept hold off him during the summer because he's shown today just how vital he is to them.

SUBSTITUTION: Incidentally, there was also a switch for Cardiff at the start of the second half as Kim comes off to be replaced by Jordan Mutch. He was Cardiff's hero at Fulham - can he repeat the trick today?

CHANCE! And Mutch really should have reduced the arrears. He loses his marker Cabaye and leaps highest to meet a Whittingham corner. All he has to do is hit the target from seven yards out and you'd back him to score, but he's lacking in composure and the ball sails well over the crossbar.

There has been much more urgency about Cardiff since the restart and again they fashion out a chance, albeit a difficult one. Mutch is at the centre of everything and he crosses from the right for Whittingham, who is under a large amount of pressure from Williamson. The angle is also against him and the ball trickles well wide. Nevertheless, positive signs from the home team at last.

Now we have a game on! It's a great goal from Cardiff's point of view as Aron Gunnarsson surges into the Newcastle half. He then sends a pass square for Mutch, who in turn flicks the ball into the path of Odemwingie. The Nigerian shows great disguise with a fake shot which fools Krul and with the Newcastle goalkeeper on the ground, the signing from West Bromwich Albion is able to power the ball into the net.

CHANCE! Agony for Cardiff, who were so close to being level. It's neat play from Campbell as he swivels inside the area to create himself some space. The angle is too narrow for a shot, so he drills the ball across the face of the goal. Gunnarsson slides in, but he's an inch or two from making contact and the chance disappears.

SAVE! Granted Cardiff need to push forward in search of an equaliser, but they must be wary of the counter-attack. Newcastle have pace to burn and show that as Remy runs at the two Cardiff defenders. He then slips in Sissoko, who just has Marshall to beat. Not for the first time the Cardiff keeper is off his line quickly, though, and he is able to thwart the Newcastle midfielder.

SUBSTITUTION: Here comes Bellamy, who takes the place of Campbell. Bellamy has not scored in his last 30 outings for club and country so it wouldn't be a bad time for him to break that barren run.

It's been a mixed response for Bellamy from the travelling supporters. A few applauded him on to the pitch, while others are greeting his every touch with a jeer. No doubt that will spur him on even more to find the net - he's that sort of character.

SUBSTITUTION: And now the visiting fans are booing their own manager, who has decided to take off Remy, despite the fact that he is on a hat-trick. On in his place comes Jonas Gutierrez, who will play in a much deeper role than Remy.

The stoppages in play for the substitutions has taken some of the sting out of Cardiff's play. It has certainly disrupted their flow and some passes are now going astray. Ten minutes ago that wasn't happening at all. They need to regain that foothold because time is starting to run out.

SAVE! Mutch has played like a man possessed since his half-time introduction. He's just powered his way through the Newcastle midfield and defence, beating four players in the process. The midfielder then shows great awareness to play in Bellamy, who goes for goal from a tight angle. Credit to Krul, because he comes off his line to block the Welshman's low effort.

SAVE! Almost an embarrassing moment for Cardiff and once again Marshall comes their rescue. Theophile-Catherine gets his clearance all wrong and flies towards Cisse. Marshall is alert, though, and makes himself a big target to thwart the Newcastle striker.

SAVE! It's like a game of basketball out there right now as Cardiff race up the other end with Mutch. His first touch is brilliant, but as he turns, he's confronted by Krul. The Newcastle keeper blocks his first shot and then returns to his feet quickly to hold at the second attempt.

SUBSTITUTION: Newcastle's string-puller Cabaye, who has had a thigh injury of late, exits the action. It's not a defensive swap, though, because on in his place comes the flamboyant Hatem Ben Arfa.

Gunnarsson goes into the book for pulling back Ben Arfa as the fourth official signals that Cardiff will have four minutes of stoppage time to salvage a share of the spoils.

At the moment, Newcastle have the ball in the Cardiff half and it looks like that they may have done enough. 60 seconds left...

A huge win for Pardew which will have relieved some of the pressure on his shoulders that's for sure. That's all we have time for from the Cardiff City Stadium. Thanks for joining us this afternoon and be sure to look out for our analysis of this clash, which will be on the site shortly. Until next time, goodbye.