A very familiar story is currently taking place in the north east of England as Alan Pardew heads into a crunch must-win fixture for Newcastle at home to Hull City.

I say familiar because it all seems a bit like déjà-vu to plenty of people down here from when Pards went into his final game as Charlton manager in November 2008, an absolutely abject 5-2 mauling at the hands of Sheffield United.

To say the atmosphere at The Valley that day was toxic would be an understatement.

Fans protested behind the West Stand afterwards demanding Pardew’s managerial head and they didn’t have long to wait for it as he was dismissed within a matter of hours.

Pardew is still something of a hate figure for many Addicks followers, which is pretty much how most Geordies feel about him now.

Tomorrow’s St James’ Park meeting with Hull City promises to turn very ugly indeed if Steve Bruce’s side win.

And at 11-4 to do just that, I reckon you would be mad not to back the Tigers to get the better of opponents whose confidence is at an all-time low following last weekend’s 4-0 hiding at Southampton.

The Saints took an early lead against Pardew’s flops and it would be difficult to imagine Newcastle fighting back were the same thing to happen tomorrow because a quick Hull goal will unleash untold wrath and fury from the stands.

Newcastle United is a fantastic club and their fans deserve a lot better than what they have had to put up with under Mike Ashley.

In fact, there is a very strong case for arguing Pardew is merely the fall guy for the real villain of the piece who is rumoured to soon be selling up and switching his interests to Glasgow Rangers.

Whatever the rights or wrongs of the fiasco, Hull are certainly over priced to win.

Put your money on now, sit back and get the popcorn out because tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day in Geordieland.

Elsewhere, high-flying Aston Villa (4-1 Bet Victor and Corals) look tempting to beat an Arsenal side which lost midweek in Europe.

The Gunners have drawn all three of their Premier League games since a very fortunate opening day success over Crystal Palace, while surprise package Villa - who are at home - have already bagged 10 points from 12.

In the Championship, Fulham’s 5-3 midweek defeat at Nottingham Forest prompted an inevitable sacking for Felix Magath.

Don’t expect their defensive frailties to have been cured by the time Jordan Rhodes and Blackburn arrive at Craven Cottage.

Back Rovers to score more than three (4-1 with Bet365), or even more than four (12-1) at a slightly lower stake if you are feeling confident.

I know I am having collected on the same bet at the City Ground.