Newcastle United vs Bordeaux - Team News, Live On ESPN
Newcastle United: Alan Pardews squad have struggled with the added strain of the Europa League and, keen not to add to his injury worries, the manager has opted to send a very young side, leaving home the likes of Tiote, Ba, and Santon (who are all rested after suffering minor knocks against Wigan). One-time bad boy Nile Ranger has seen the error of his ways and recent weeks and gets a return for his hard work in training; hell start his first senior game in 18 months tonight, possibly alongside highly rated youngster Adam Campbell. Gael Bigirimana, who scored a wonder goal on Monday night will line up in midfield along side Sylvain Marveaux, whos trying to force his way back into the first team. Youngsters Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson will also line up against the French side, with Rob Elliot likely to feature in goal. It will be interesting to see which one of Mehdi Abeid and Romain Amalfitano get a start this evening. Both were signed on free transfers(albeit a summer apart) but neither have threatened the first team squad with any consistency. Tonight is an opportunity for either of them, and a large portion of the travelling squad, to show Alan Pardew that they have what it takes. Starting 11: Elliot Tavernier Williamson Perch Ferguson Bigirimana Abeid Ranger Marveaux Sa Ameobi Sh Ameobi Subs: Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, Anita, Amalfitano, Campbell, Cisse. FC Girondins de Bordeaux: With only a draw required and an important away match against Stade de Reims, Bordeaux manager Francis Gillot is likely to rest much of his starting 11 as well. Top scorer Yoann Gouffran, whose netted 7 times in the league this season, will likely start from the bench although captain Jaroslav Plasil should start the match in a playmaker role behind 2 strikers. Newcastle must be wary of defensive midfielder Ludovic Sane, a defensive midfielder whos been in great form in the Europa League so far, averaging over 2 tackles and 2 interceptions per game (along with chipping in a goal). The club come into this fixture on the back of 3 wins in a row in all competitions so Newcastles young team will have their work cut out for them. Whereas Pardews main aim will be to get through the match unscathed, Bordeaux are likely to want some revenge for their defeat in north-east England. Francis Gillot: "The goal was to qualify for the group stage. We had to play the Red Star Belgrade, it was not easy. We did it. Then we qualified for the knockout phase, so it was the most important thing to do. First or second place? There are big teams if you finish first, there are big teams if you finish second. So it doesn't matter. But we'll play tomorrow to win, obviously." Match Facts: Girondins de Boreaux have won their last eight European home games on the bounce and are unbeaten in their last 11. Newcastle United are unbeaten in their last 7 Europa League games.