Jamie Carragher: 'Newcastle United still face big test'

Jamie Carragher believes that Newcastle United still need to prove themselves this season, despite their recent run of good form.

The Magpies have alleviated the pressure on manager Alan Pardew, after he came under fire from supporters following the club's poor start to the season, with four straight victories.

However, Carragher believes that Newcastle's biggest test will be to win a game from which they are expected to take all three points when they face West Bromwich Albion.

Carragher told Sky Sports News: "They have taken some big scalps in this four-game winning run – Man City in the Capital One Cup, Tottenham and Liverpool in the Premier League – but that has tended to be Alan Pardew's way throughout his managerial career.

"The big test for Newcastle now, though, is to win a game they are expected to win. Will they carry on with the counter-attacking style of recent matches or because the possession against West Brom could be more evenly split, will they mix it up? It should be an interesting game."

Pardew's side face the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Sunday.