Sacré bleu, Newcastle is turning French on Sunday.

Alan Pardew and his ten signings from across the Channel are ready to welcome Saints with a distinctly Gallic theme that might well make Morgan Schneiderlin feel at home.

‘Le Toon’ are going all continental to celebrate their new found link with our European partners as they host a first ever ‘French Day’ ahead of the crucial clash with Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

St James’ Park will be covered with Tricolore banners while fans are being encouraged to use the on-site face painters and immerse themselves in the French theme, no doubt meaning some dodgy costumes.

They are even going as far as having a French themed sing-a-long at half time.

It’s all because Newcastle doubled the French contingent in their squad during January.

They now boast ten French players in the shape of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haidara, Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko, Hatem Ben Arfa, Romain Amalfitano, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, Yoan Gouffran.

“I think this is a fantastic idea,” said Yohan Cabaye.

“The French players who were here last season and the players who arrived in January are very proud to be here and to play for Newcastle United so it will be very special to see our fans celebrating our culture and sharing it with us.

“The support from our fans and our teammates is a big reason why players have wanted to come here to Newcastle. We hope to repay that support on the pitch by giving the best performances we can.”

Pardew added: “It's not just on the pitch that our French players have had an impact since they've arrived.

“The city has really taken to them as well and the players have spoken about how much they've appreciated the welcome they've been given and seeing things like French flags in the crowd.”

Saints will be hoping to dampen the spirits by picking up three points against their former boss that will take them another large step along the way to safety.