Sports Mole previews the Premier League clash between Newcastle United and QPR at St James' Park, as the Magpies go in search of a sixth straight victory.

Newcastle United will go in search of a sixth successive win when they welcome Queens Park Rangers to St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday.

Manager Alan Pardew found himself under severe pressure following a seven-game winless run at the start of the season, but now is the hero of the Toon Army.

They have shot up to eighth in the table following 12 points from a possible 12, and victory this weekend could send them into the Champions League positions.

QPR are also improving, but remain in the bottom three after impressive showings against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City yielded only one point - a 2-2 draw against the champions a fortnight ago.

Sandro has insisted that they have turned a corner and this claim will be tested during a period of more winnable games, as the Hoops follow their trip to Tyneside with matches against Leicester City and Burnley.

Their travelling form will still be a concern to Harry Redknapp, who has seen his side concede 14 goals and score just three in the process of losing all five of their matches away from Loftus Road this season.

Rio Ferdinand remains suspended and Alejandro Faurlin injured, but captain Joey Barton returned as a substitute against the Citizens and should be restored in the centre of the park at the expense of Karl Henry.

Redknapp has gotten the best out of Charlie Austin, who has five goals in his last six games, by partnering him with Bobby Zamora, and must debate whether to stick with 4-4-2 or bring in an extra midfielder.

His decision could be swayed by the hosts being without captain Fabricio Coloccini. A weakened defence could see Steven Taylor return, Paul Dummett shifted inside and Massaido Haidara brought in at left-back.

Coloccini is not Newcastle's only injury absentee, with Pardew still missing Davide Santon, Siem de Jong, Rolando Aarons, Cheick Tiote, Emmanuel Riviere, Curtis Good and cancer survivor Jonas Gutierrez.

They have been joined in the treatment room by Mehdi Abeid and Gabriel Obertan, both of whom have been key figures in the Magpies' upturn in fortunes, so Vurnon Anita and Remy Cabella could be handed starts.

Ayoze Perez can match opposite number Austin for form, having netted winning strikes three times in the past month, and he should maintain his place up front despite the return to fitness of Papiss Cisse.

Newcastle are unbeaten in eight matches against QPR - a run which stretches back to 1995.

Newcastle:

Form in Premier League: LDWWWW
Form in all competitions: DWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Krul; Janmaat, Taylor, Dummett, Haidara; Anita, Colback; Ameobi, Cabella, Sissoko; Perez

QPR:

Recent form: LLLWLD

Possible starting lineup: Green; Isla, Dunne, Caulker, Yun; Vargas, Sandro, Barton, Fer; Austin, Zamora

Sports Mole says: 2-2