Newcastle United-Norwich City Preview

By RYAN WILLOX

(AP) -- LONDON (SE) -- Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hoping the return from injury of several key players will spur his side to a first away win of the season against Norwich City on Saturday.

The Magpies have had to do without pivotal players including Yohan Cabaye, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez as they have slumped to seven straight away losses since a 2-2 draw in the Europa League at Club Brugge in early November.

"The good news is we are taking Cabaye on the bus, which is like signing a new player," said Pardew. "I don't think he's really ready to start, if I'm honest. I think his role will be off the bench if the situation evolves where we need him.

"Yohan is a great player and has lifted everybody this week, just in terms of picking passes out in training. It's just nice to have some senior players out there working hard, and just his inclusion is going to give everyone a huge lift."

Newcastle's (5-5-11) unexpected FA Cup exit at Brighton last weekend took their run of away matches without a victory this season to 16 in all competitions (0-7-9). Pardew fielded a weakened team in that match but his side will be closer to full strength against the Canaries.

"Papiss (Cisse) and Colo are both fit as well, so they will be in and around the team and we certainly look a lot stronger than the unfortunate situation we were in last week.

"Steven Taylor will be ready for Reading, Cabaye will certainly be ready for Reading, Jonas is fit and he will be available for Norwich, so we are getting some senior bodies back at a crucial time because we really, really need to get some momentum."

Norwich City (6-7-8) boss Chris Hughton faces his former club for the second time this season after Newcastle edged out a 1-0 win at St. James' Park in September thanks to a Demba Ba goal.

"Newcastle have played a lot of games and have suffered injuries to key players," he said. "We're still going to be facing a lot of quality though. We're at home and it's a chance of getting back to winning ways, irrespective of the run Newcastle are on."

Hughton received a warm welcome from the Magpies faithful last time but warned there will be no room for sentiment as Norwich bid to end their own four game losing streak.

'It would be wrong of me to say it wasn't nice to get the reception I got up there. My sole concern now is getting the win for Norwich," he said.

Having lost back to back home matches, Norwich are looking to avoid three straight league losses at Carrow Road for the first time in seven years.

Newcastle are on a wretched league run at present having won only two of 12, with nine losses in that sequence. The Magpies are the second worst away side in the league this season ahead only of Reading, taking just four points from their ten contests away from St James' Park.

United have lost five straight Premier League away matches since drawing 1-1 at Liverpool on November 4th. Their 25 goals conceded in their away league matches is the second most in the division (Aston Villa, 26).

Their record sits in stark contrast to last season's success. After 21 games, Newcastle are in 15th place on 20 points, two outside the relegation zone. They had 36 points and sat sixth at this stage last season.

Norwich won the corresponding fixture last season 4-2 and have won three straight at home to Newcastle. The Magpies last win at Carrow Road was 19 years ago.

Updated January 10, 2013