Thursday, March 14, 2013
Newcastle United vs Anzhi Makhachkala March 14, 2013
idfielder Hatem Ben Arfa will miss Newcastle’s Europa League second leg with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
The 26-year-old France international started the goalless first leg in Moscow but has suffered a setback on a hamstring he tore in December.
Striker Shola Ameobi will undergo a late fitness test on the ankle problem he suffered in the Luzhniki Stadium.
Mathieu Debuchy and Yoan Gouffran are ineligible and keeper Tim Krul (ankle) and Fabricio Coloccini (back) are out.
This is Newcastle’s 12th game in the Europa League in 2012-13, but boss Alan Pardew says his side’s efforts will mean nothing unless they win the competition.
The Magpies, without a major trophy since 1969, have recorded wins over Atromitos Athens, Bordeaux, Club Bruges and Metalist Kharkiv so far.
Another against Anzhi will leave Pardew’s men in the quarter-finals after a goalless first leg in Russia.
“We are in it to win it,” said former West Ham boss Pardew.
“There’s no point saying to me, ‘Would the quarter-finals be a great achievement for you in your managerial career?’
“It would be something I could put on my CV, but it wouldn’t really mean much to me unless I win the trophy.
“I have been to the FA Cup final twice and lost twice, and I see this competition as a higher standard of competition
Newcastle United
Elliot
Debuchy, Taylor, Yanga-M’Biwa, Santon
Tiote, Cabaye
Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Gutierrez
Cisse
Anzhi
Gabulov
Yeschenko, Carlos, Ewerton, Zhirkov
Ahmedov, Diarra, Jucieli
Eto’o, Traore, Willian
