Archive
Newcastle v Maritimo: Four Changes
Written by Newcastle Utd
Papiss Cisse's inclusion is one of four changes to a strong Newcastle starting line-up against Maritimo in the Europa League on Thursday
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Club Reporter
Manager Alan Pardew has named a strong starting line-up for Thursday night's Europa League Group D home fixture against Maritimo (8.05pm kick-off).
The Magpies' boss has made just four changes from last weekend's defeat against Swansea in the Premier League. In come club captain Fabricio Coloccini - who is currently serving a domestic ban - midfielder Gael Bigirimana, winger Sylvain Marveaux and striker Papiss Cisse.
Missing out are Mike Williamson, Shane Ferguson, Demba Ba and the suspended Cheick Tiote.
United will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with goalkeeper Tim Krul protecting a back four of Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini and Davide Santon.
Providing steel in the middle of the park are Bigirimana and Vurnon Anita, allowing the creative trio of Sammy Ameobi, Hatem Ben Arfa and Marveaux to feed lone striker Cisse.
On the substitutes' bench there is attacking options in the shape of eight-goal leading scorer Demba Ba and Romain Amalfitano, along with the youthful exuberance of James Tavernier, Shane Ferguson and Mehdi Abeid.
Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Tim Krul; Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini (c), Davide Santon; Gael Bigirimana, Vurnon Anita; Sammy Ameobi, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux; Papiss Cisse
Substitutes: Rob Elliot, James Tavernier, Shane Ferguson, Mike Williamson, Mehdi Abeid, Romain Amalfitano, Demba Ba
Maritimo (4-3-3): Romain Salin; Joao Diogo, Valentin Roberge, Marcio Rosario, Ruben Ferreira; Joao Luiz, Rafael Miranda (c), David Simao; Danilo Dias, Adilson, Sami
Substitutes: Ricardo, Luis Olim, Briguel, Rodrigo Antonio, Joao Guilherme, Ruben Brigido, Fidelis
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Holland)