Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that he expects an English side to triumph in the Europa League this season.

Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are all still in the competition and Pardew said that the group beneath the Champions League sides has become stronger in the Premier League in recent years.

"Outside Manchester United, the Premier League has not been of the standard of last year," The Independent quotes Pardew as saying. "The group that's below the top four is getting stronger, with Everton Spurs and ourselves. Although our league place doesn't justify that, I think next year we'll be competing in that group.

"The depth of the Premier League is in no doubt, and if I was a betting man I think the winners of the Europa League could come from England this year because the that are three left can concentrate on it. They are not going for the title and the experience gained so far is helping.

"Yes, we have a responsibility for not just Newcastle fans but for the Premier League as well. We represent the Premier League and are proud to do so. We'll try to do that if we can to the best of our ability."

Newcastle face Anzhi Makhachkala tonight in the second leg having held the Russian side to a draw away from home last week.