Guus Hiddink takes his men to England as Anzhi Makhachkala face Newcastle United in the knockout tie of the UEFA Europa League at St James' Park on Thursday night. The first leg in Russia ended in a goalless draw.

Papiss Cisse
Reuters

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 8:05pm GMT. Live coverage will be available on ESPN UK and ESPN UK HD.

Overview

Newcastle enter this game after their 2-1 win over Stoke City during the weekend. The game saw Alan Pardew's men go a goal down in the second half when Jonathan Walters scored from the spot kick for Tony Pulis' side. However, Yohan Cabaye equalized for the Magpies before Senegalese international Papiss Cisse scored the late winner in the extra time.

The Tyneside club failed to score during the first leg in Russia and Pardew is aware of the fact that his side needs to score a goal and also at the same time stop Anzhi from scoring the much needed away goal on Thursday night to progress to the later stages of the tournament. Newcastle has lost only one of their last five games (v Swansea) played in all competitions, drawing one and winning the remaining three.

Newcastle are now sitting in the 13 position in the league table with 33 points from 29 games.

Anzhi, on the other hand, enter into this game after their 2-0 away defeat to Mordovia Saransk in the league tie last week. The defeat has still seen them take the second spot in the Russian Premier League table with 41 points from 20 games, trailing third place Zenit by three points. However, Zenit still has a game in hand a victory for them could see them climb over Hiddink's side.

The visitors have failed to register a victory in the month of March and the ex-Chelsea manager would be looking to put an end to his side's recent poor run against Newcastle. Anzhi has managed just one win in their last five games played in all competitions. However, the Russian side has a major advantage getting into the second leg as they managed to stop the English club from scoring the much needed away goal in Dynamo Stadium.

Samuel Eto'o
Reuters

Team Guide

Newcastle United

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D L W W
  • Last Result: Newcastle United 2-1 Stoke City

Anzhi Makhachkala

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): L D D W D
  • Last Result: Mordovia Saransk 2-0 Anzhi Makhachkala

Team News

Alan Pardew
Reuters

Pardew has few injury worries for the midweek Europa League tie. Dutch international Tim Krul is ruled out for the game with the ankle injury meaning Rob Elliot will start at the goal. French midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa and Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini are also unlikely to feature for Newcastle during the game against Anzhi.

Probable Line-Up: Elliot; Simpson, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Santon; Tiote, Cabaye; Anita, Sissoko, Gutierrez; Cisse

Hiddink is likely to name the attacking squad for the second leg against Newcastle. Former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward Samuel Eto'o and January signing from Shakhtar Donetsk, Willian is likely to lead Anzhi's lineup up front. Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal star Lassana Diarra is likely to start in the midfield on Thursday night.

Probable Line-Up: Gabulov; Eshchenko, Carlos, Ewerton, Zhirkov; Akhmedov, Diarra, Jucilei, Traore; Eto'o, Willian