Alan Pardew believes that Stoke City will provide his Newcastle United side with "a big test" at the Britannia Stadium this evening.

Pardew's squad travel to Stoke having not lost a game in the Premier League this season.

However, the boss is under no illusions that it will be difficult to maintain that record at a ground which Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have failed to win on this season.

"It's such a difficult place to go and try to get a result," he told reporters. They have a stadium that makes a lot of noise and they have a pitch that suits them because it's a small pitch and a lot of things come in your box.

"You've got to be big and strong and be able to cope with them. Tony's done a terrific job - and his staff - in targetting players that have taken the club forward every year, and again they look stronger this year.

"So it's going to be a big test for every team that goes there."

The Magpies will move up to third in the Premier League table if they avoid defeat tonight.