Anzhi Makhachkala, managed by the hugely-experienced Guus Hiddink, represent formidable opposition, with Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o and Brazil forward Willian in their ranks.
Eto’o is the highest-paid player in the world, while Willian cost £30m, and Pardew will give Hiddink’s side the respect they deserve.
Alan Pardew: “It would be massive if we could beat this team, because they’re a really strong side.
“It’s really now down to where every team left in that Europa League now is focusing on it probably as their primary objective.
“I can’t think of too many clubs in it for whom it’s not at the top of their agenda now.”