Newcastle United will be hoping to maintain their impressive form, as they host Everton.

Steve McClaren's side have shown a surprising upturn in form recently, with wins over Tottenham and Liverpool in their last three, the Magpies could well be seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

They were halted in their tracks last week though as a valiant Aston Villa claimed at point on Tyneside, leaving Newcastle in 17th place. The Magpies now welcome Everton on Boxing Day, a match which has all the makings to be a classic.

Goals galore looks to be theme for this weekend, with neither side struggling in front of goal. The big threat though comes from Everton's  Romelu Lukaku, as he goes in pursuit of Jamie Vardy's record set earlier this season for scoring in consecutive games.

Home comforts for McClaren

Toon boss McClaren will be looking for the same sort of commitment from his players this weekend, which was shown in the Liverpool victory and the first half against Aston Villa.

However, he will also be looking towards Newcastle's extra man. The fans play a massive part at St James' Park, and if the team can get the crowd going on Saturday, who says they can't stun Roberto Martinez' side.

McClaren knows that making their home a fortress will be the key to surviving this season. Everton won't be any push-over on Saturday though, with Merseyside team having lofty ambitions of their own.

Everton looking to bounce back

It's been a rough couple of weeks for Martinez, after watching his team drop points against Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Leicester City - all games that they expected to win if they want to fulfil their ambitions.

The Merseysiders know how important  this weekends game is at Newcastle, with the knowledge that more dropped points leave them further away from the European places.

Newcastle will be wary of the backlash though, with players such as Lukaku and Arouna Kone not taking defeat very well. Both have fantastic scoring records this season, and will be looking to add to that this weekend.

Team news

Papiss Cisse looks unlikely to feature this weekend for Newcastle, with the striker picking up what looked to be a hamstring injury in the draw at home to Aston Villa. Defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Steven Taylor will be looking to bolster Newcastle's defensive options as they both regain fitness, but again won't feature this weekend.

Long term injuries Tim Krul, Massadio Haidara and Gabriel Obertan unfortunately still face a lengthy spell on the sideline.

It is rumoured that  Everton's Steven Pienaar, Bryan Oviedo, Phil Jagielka and James McCarthy could all return for the away side over the festive period. But it remains to be seen whether the trip this weekend will see them feature.

The away side though will be able to bolster their attacking options, as forward Steven Naismith returns from an ankle injury.

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About the author
Will Herron
Aspiring sports journalist, currently in the first year of my Sports Journalism degree at Sunderland University. Newcastle United.