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Newcastle v Anzhi: Three Changes
Written by Newcastle Utd
There are three changes to Newcastle's starting line-up for their crucial Europa League tie against Anzhi Makhachkala
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Alan Pardew has made three changes to his Newcastle United starting line-up for Thursday's Europa League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Anzhi Makhachkala at St. James' Park.
The sides are locked together following a goalless draw in Moscow seven days ago, and there has to be a winner on the night, meaning away goals, extra-time and penalties could all come in to play on Tyneside.
In come full-back Massadio Haïdara, midfielder Vurnon Anita and winger Sylvain Marveaux, taking the places of Jonas Gutierrez, Mathieu Debuchy and Yoan Gouffran - the final two of who are ineligible to represent United in the competition.
As well as the personnel, there is also a change of formation for the Magpies as they switch to an attack-minded 4-3-3.
Goalkeeper Rob Elliot will be protected by a back four of Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Haïdara.
Newcastle's midfield trio will be Ivorian enforcer Cheick Tiote, stand-in captain Yohan Cabaye and former Ajax man Vurnon Anita.
On the right of a three-man attack is French schemer Marveaux, with fellow countryman Moussa Sissoko deployed on the left. And Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse - with nine goals to his name this term - will play through the middle.
The substitutes' bench sees places for youngsters Gael Bigirimana and Adam Campbell, while long-serving striker Shola Ameobi will make his 50th European appearance for the Club if called upon.
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Rob Elliot; Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haïdara; Vurnon Anita, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye (c); Sylvain Marveaux, Papiss Cisse, Moussa Sissoko
Substitutes: Steve Harper, James Perch, Gael Bigirimana, Jonas Gutierrez, Gabriel Obertan, Adam Campbell, Shola Ameobi
Anzhi Makhachkala (4-3-3): Vladimir Gabulov; Andrei Eschenko, Ewerton, Joao Carlos, Yuri Zhirkov; Odil Ahmedov, Lassana Diarra, Jucilei; Mbark Boussoufa, Samuel Eto'o (c), Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez
Substitutes: Evgeni Pomazan, Rasim Tagirbekov, Arseni Logashov, Kamil Agalarov, Oleg Shatov, Fedor Smolov, Lacina Traore
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)