Not that I'm trying to fan the flames but the relationship between the Premier League's two longest-serving managers can only be described as heated. It's bordering on prophetic fate that Pardew's return to the Newcastle dugout following his seven-match ban for head butting Hull midfielder David Meyler coincides with a trip to Arsenal and a face-off with recurring nemesis, Arsene Wenger. The two haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye since a heated touchline squabble in 2006, while Pardew was West Ham boss, and their fiery relationship always loads the narrative with an intriguing extra context. All eyes will be trained on Pardew after nearly two months away from the confines of the technical area and whether he heeds his own advice of remaining seated as opposed to barking orders from the touchline after being stung by his second FA-enforced punishment of the season. However, Wenger insists his opposite number will keep a lid on his emotions during the game, telling Sky Sports: "He will try to control himself much more." Perhaps the distance between the two managers at the Emirates, a deliberate design point, will spare Pardew further embarrassment.
