The 51-year-old has spent the campaign trying to manage the twin demands of domestic and continental competition while also coping with an injury crisis.
However, returning casualties and an influx of French blood during the transfer window has significantly strengthened Pardew's hand. He said: "Hopefully we can get through this tie and if we get through, and get a couple of favourable Premier League results, suddenly we can really look forward to it."
Contextual targeting label:
Families
