Team News: Nicolas Anelka starts in Newcastle United clash

West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Keith Downing has named striker Nicolas Anelka in his starting lineup for the visit of Newcastle United to The Hawthorns this afternoon.

The 34-year-old caused controversy in the 3-3 draw with West Ham United at the weekend by celebrating one of his two goals with a 'quenelle' gesture, sparking outrage from his native France with the action believed to have anti-semitic connotations.

The Football Association are understood to be investigating the incident, with Anelka believed to be facing a minimum five-match ban in the event of a guilty verdict.

Nevertheless, the former Arsenal and Chelsea hitman starts this afternoon for the clash with the Magpies.

Elsewhere, Downing ushers Claudio Yacob, Morgan Amalfitano and Stephane Sessegnon into the fold from the draw at Upton Park.

Meanwhile, United boss Alan Pardew names just one change to his team from the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with Vurnon Anita dropping out in favour of Shola Ameobi.

West Bromwich Albion: Foster; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Mulumbu, Yacob, Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Brunt; Anelka

Newcastle United: Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko; Remy, Shola Ameobi, Gouffran

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