Newcastle play Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday and Alan Pardew has said he will be playing his strongest team in the competition.

Pardew wants home wins against Bordeaux and Bruges and he thinks Europa League success is key to hanging onto his start players.

Newcastle are 6/4 favourites to win the match with Blue Square, the draw is 12/5 with Ladbrokes and Bordeaux are 9/4 with Bet Victor.

Alan Pardew’s men have to be fancied at that price if he is saying he will be playing a strong XI. His side are unbeaten at home this season and have only lost once at the Sports Direct Arena since the turn of this calendar year.

Bordeaux sit in fifth place in Ligue 1 but despite being unbeaten they have drawn four of their last five matches including two 0-0 draws away from home. Having said that, they did go to Lyon at the weekend and pick up a 2-0 win.

If Pardew it to be believed he is likely to start with his big guns up front and one or both of Ba and Cisse should feature. Hatem Ben Afra should also start and the Frenchman could be the man to get on the scoresheet. He is 3/1 to score anytime in the 90 minutes with Bet365.

Newcastle vs Bordeaux Betting Tips

Newcastle to win the match – 6/4 with Blue Square

Ben Arfa to score anytime – 3/1 with Bet365

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