The view from Newcastle
Ahead of Liverpool's trip to St James' Park on Sunday afternoon we spoke to Geordie Dan Robinson about Alan Pardew, finishing fourth and Hatem Ben Arfa.
How do you feel going into the game against Liverpool?
Quite excited, to be honest. We've been gearing towards this game for a few weeks now and I expect it to be a real six-pointer. The chance to go 11 points clear is such a great target. However, we're going to have to do it without Captain Colo, who we are going to miss a lot with James Perch - a full-back or centre-midfielder by nature - as his replacement.
At the start of the season would you have tipped Newcastle to finish in the top six?
Not a chance. While some had us tipped to go down, I was expecting about the same as last year (12th), with a top 10 finish a real achievement. To be sixth at this stage, level on points with Chelsea, just shows what a good job this team and manager have done. But we're not there yet and it's important we don't start believing we've made it.
Craig Bellamy scores against his former club at St James' Park
What's Alan Pardew's secret?
He's a very good man-manager. Look at the way he's dealt with Ben Arfa, for example. Technically, Ben Arfa is our best player by a mile but Pardew has made him work all season for his place in the team and it's meant he's had to adapt his game slightly so he's working for the team and not just himself a la Gutierrez. Also, with the likes of Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie and Perch, he's brought them into the team when we've needed them and kept them in ahead of bigger names if they've performed well. At the start, Pardew's best weapon was continuity but now he's started to put his own stamp on things with the likes of Cabaye, Ba and Cisse and it also means we're playing much better football, something which our fans appreciate.
Who should we look out for on Sunday?
After Ben Arfa's performance against West Brom, I would be panicking if I was a Liverpool defender. The guy can do anything he wants and in a forward three of him, Cisse and Ba, when it clicks it's devastating.
One Liverpool player you'd rather see lining up for Newcastle on Sunday?
I really wish we had never sold Craig Bellamy but, for me, Steven Gerrard is perhaps the best centre midfielder to ever play in the Premier League, so I wouldn't mind seeing him in a black and white shirt - although he would have to get past Cabaye first!
Gerrard nutmegs Krul to make it 3-1 in late December 2011
Best place to get a pre-match pint around the ground?
It's not everyone's cup of tea but I always enjoy going to Sam Jacks, next to The Gate, beforehand. There's always a good atmosphere and good craic between the two sets of fans. But if you're after something where you can have more of a chat, maybe the Three Bulls Heads in the Haymarket.
Best way to kill a couple of hours after the game in Newcastle?
Just have a few more drinks! No, seriously, there's plenty more bars around town with plenty of character, including an absolute gem called Sinners. A nice walk along the waterfront could also be an option.
Can you finish fourth?
Let's not get carried away. To get over the line to fifth would be a dream but sixth (providing you do us a favour and beat Everton in the semi-final) would be absolutely brilliant.