Hatem Ben Arfa Newcastle
Newcastle playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa celebrates after scoring against Fulham in their English Premier League game, August 31Reuters

After picking up a morale-boosting couple of wins over Aston Villa and Fulham, Newcastle will be desperate to continue the run when they host newly-promoted Hull City in their English Premier League match on Saturday evening.

The Magpies have flattered to deceive more often than not this season, with the fans also getting on the club's back for the lack of signings in the summer.

However, the lone big arrival - Loic Remy - did have a good game against Villa, picking up an assist for the opening goal scored by Hatem Ben Arfa in what was a good performance from Newcastle.

Ben Arfa will be the key man for the home side in the game at St. James' Park after the French international was at his effective best against Villa.

"We got a great result last week and we have a home game so the guys are really looking forward to it and there's a good feeling on the training ground," Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said.

"I think it'll be a tough game for us but we're in good shape for it and I think it'll be a tough game for Hull too."

Hull have picked up four points from four games and have shown some form which suggests they could yet beat the drop come May.

They have an experienced manager in Steve Bruce and the former Manchester United defender, a Geordie himself, believes his side are ready to upset the Newcastle applecart on Saturday.

"We knew that the first four or five away games were going to be pretty spectacular for us," Bruce said. "We've had Chelsea and Manchester City. Now it's Newcastle and as a footballer, one thing you want to look forward to is playing Newcastle away.

"It's a great stadium with big support and a fantastic atmosphere and this has all the ingredients for a classic Premier League game. We've proven that we can play at this level and we have to be at our best to do that. It will be no different on Saturday. We must handle the atmosphere because if Newcastle build up a head of steam it becomes a pretty passionate place to play football.

"When you look at Newcastle and the team they've got, you know it's going to be difficult. With Remy fit, Cisse fit and Ben Arfa looking like he's playing the best football of his career, you know they are a threat. They're a good side and like I keep saying, we'll have to be at our best to get something."

Team News: Pardew confirmed defender Steven Taylor will miss out after picking up a knock in training, while Jonas Gutierrez is still on the mend. Massadio Haidara and Ryan Taylor are also unavailable, with Shola Ameobi and Mike Williamson both doubts.

Bruce, who will take a Hull side which have won three of their last four visits at Newcastle, will have to do without the services of midfielder Robert Koren, who has a fractured foot. Robbie Brady and Maynor Figueroa are doubtful, but striker Yannick Sagbo returns from suspension.

Where to watch

The match is set for kickoff at 7.30 p.m. (IST) with no Live telecast scheduled. You can watch the game online with the official link HERE.

Expected lineups: Newcastle: Krul; Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Santon; Sissoko, Anita, Cabaye; Ben Arfa, Cisse, Remy.

Hull: McGregor; Elmohamady, Chester, Davies, Rosenior; Boyd, Livermore, Huddlestone, Brady; Sagbo, Aluko.

Prediction: 1-0 to Newcastle