Good afternoon and welcome to LIVE coverage as Newcastle United begin their quest to reach the Europa League last eight at Anzhi Makhachkala in the last-16 first leg tie. This match is being played in Moscow, and Alan Pardew's side travel to the Russian capital with high hopes. Teams coming right up.

The Anzhi fans making themselves heard in this vast arena as Anita picks out Obertan. But Jucilei breaks up the move.

For all their pretty possession stuff, Hiddink's men have yet to get a shot at goal. Neither side have had a shot at goal. Lively start in one sense, sluggish in another.

Newcastle's 1-0 win at FC Metalist Kharkiv in their round of 32 second leg ended a run of five away games without a win in Europe - three draws and two losses. They chase another win here this evening.

Willian tries to pick out Eto'o, but Cabaye is alert to cut out the danger. Diligent defending by the French international.

Anzhi are a very neat, neat side. Shatov trying to bring Willian into the action as much as possible in these opening exchanges.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa takes out Eto'o with a late challenge, but Willian's free-kick is deflected high into the Moscow sky before Elliot collects with some ease.

Vladimir Gabulov tries to pick out Eto'o with a long ball down the middle, but he is marked by two or three figures.

Cabaye slides into a strong challenge. Vital that Newcastle get a feel for the ball. Andrei Yeschenko takes a throw-in for Anzhi.

A first trip to Russia for Newcastle with around 100 fans behind them. Zhrikov keeping the ball well before picking out Diarra, but the home side not going anywhere with it.

A stadium that holds 78,000. Only about 12,000 inside this vast arena. Decent cross by Obertan, but danger is cleared by the yellow shirts.

We are off and running then on the plastic. Newcastle get us started.

The teams on their way out for this one. Looks to be a freezing night in Moscow. An evening for gloves and woolies. Snow adorning the side of the artificial park.

Match odds for this one if you are after a bet: Anzhi 4/6, Newcastle 5/1, Draw 14/5. That 5-1 on Newcastle seems like an appealing option to me. Or draw at 14/5 could be a better option.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has been dealt a major blow by the news skipper Fabricio Coloccini could be out of action for up to seven weeks. "Colo has gone back to Argentina," said Pardew. "There's no treatment he can have - he's broken two of the bones in his back. We think it's going to be anything between three and seven weeks. He's gone back for a week."

Anzhi coach Guus Hiddink: "Newcastle did not start the season well, but they have improved a lot in recent weeks. They are a strong team that plays modern football. They have powerful and skilful players in every position, such as Moussa Sissoko. I'm sure they want to be in the final in Amsterdam on 15 May."

Anzhi have a full squad to pick from - bar the suspended Mbark Boussoufa - and start with former Premier League players Yuri Zhirkov and Lassana Diarra. January signing Willian will also play in a three behind lone striker Samuel Eto'o, formerly of Inter and Barcelona.

Newcastle hand a first start to Hatem Ben Arfa since December after he recovered from a hamstring strain. Rob Elliot, central defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, and midfielders Yohan Cabaye and Moussa Sissoko are the only survivors from the weekend defeat to Swansea. Teenage forward Adam Campebell is on the bench for the visiting side.

Anzhi substitutes: Evgeniy Pomazan, Rasim Tagirbekov, Arseny Logashov, Ali Gadzhibekov, Carcela-Gonzalez, Fedor Smolov, Lacina Traore////Newcastle substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Gael Bigirimana, Cheick Tiote, Adam Campbell, Shola Ameobi

Teams: Anzhi Makhachkala (4-2-3-1): Vladimir Gabulov; Andrey Eschenko, Joao Carlos, Ewerton, Yuri Zhirkov; Jucilei da Silva, Lassana Diarra; Odil Ahmedov, Willian, Oleg Shatov; Samuel Eto'o (c)////Newcastle United (4-2-3-1): Rob Elliot; Danny Simpson, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, James Perch, Massadio Haidara; Yohan Cabaye (c), Vurnon Anita; Sylvain Marveaux, Moussa Sissoko, Gabriel Obertan; Hatem Ben Arfa