Newcastle (200/1 Premier League outright) boss Alan Pardew believes his policy of maintaining the same starting XI where possible has been a defining factor in his side’s impressive start to the season.

The Magpies (14/1 to finish top four) currently sit third in the table after 11 games, just one point behind champions Manchester United and are one of only two unbeaten teams in the league, alongside leaders Manchester City.

Pardew has only made seven changes to his team this year, fewer than any other manager with the back four and goalkeeper all being ever presents so-far this campaign.

The former West Ham boss feels the team’s consistency has come from regularly playing together and believes this has been key to their superb start to the season.

He told The Independent on Sunday: “It’s certainly helped to have that continuity in the side, particularly the back four who have been outstanding together as a unit.

“They’ve developed a very good understanding with each other. Continuity is great for confidence within the team and that has definitely contributed to our good start.”

Despite his reliance on the same players, Pardew insists his squad are still of “huge importance” and that he has been impressed with when players have had to come into the side.

 “Against Everton,  for example, where we had to make changes due to injury, I was delighted with the way other players such as Danny Guthrie  came in and fitted seamlessly into the team.”