Newcastle field 7 Frenchmen in starting eleven

Newcastle lined up for Thursday's Europa League clash in Russia against Anzhi Makhachkala with more than a hint of Gallic flair as seven Frenchmen took to the field. As well as captain Yohan Cabaye and playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa, who was returning after a three-month injury absence, there were five more French players in the starting XI. Centre-back Mapou Yanga Mbiwa lined up alongside full-back Massadio Haidara with Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan in midfield and Moussa Sissoko up font. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew recruited five Frenchmen in the January transfer window, taking his tally to 10. Such has been the French revolution on Tyneside that some jovial fans have taken to wearing berets to games. From : AFP