Newcastle United will look to continue their recent resurgence in their match at home to Everton on Boxing Day. Steve McClaren’s Magpies had only won twice all season before the start of the month, though they’ve picked up seven points from a possible nine in their last three games. It’s a run that has seen them move a place and two points out of the relegation zone, meaning they should head into this difficult encounter in seasonal good cheer.
Everton vs. Newcastle 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Newcastle will look to continue their good form at home to a struggling Everton on Saturday.
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The same can't be said of Everton, who have now gone four games without a win. The Toffees appeared to be making some progress under Roberto Martínez after the disappointment of last season, but their barren spell has seen them slip down to 10th in the table despite the goalscoring exploits of Romelu Lukaku. At present, they're not delivering on their promise, and the pressure will only increase if they fail to pick up three points away at St. James' Park.
Key player: Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Chelsea may well live to regret letting Belgian starlet Lukaku leave, with the striker having continued his impressive progress by moving to within two goals of the division's top scorer Jamie Vardy. Lukaku has now netted in seven consecutive Premier League matches, and will be licking his lips at the prospect of going up against Newcastle's notoriously shaky back line.
Recent history
These sides have both been knocking around the Premier League's mid-table for a long time, which makes Everton's recent domination of these fixtures rather surprising. They've won five of their last seven meetings with the Magpies, who have won only one of their clashes in that space of time. However, Newcastle's victory came in their last match at St. James' Park almost exactly a year ago, when thy ran out 3-2 winners.
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Curtis Good (hip); Emmanuel Rivière, Tim Krul, Massadio Haïdara (knee); Steven Taylor, Gabriel Obertan (hamstring); Rolando Aarons (ankle). In doubt: Jamaal Lascelles, Mike Williamson (hamstring); Papiss Cissé (groin).
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Steven Pienaar (hamstring); Tony Hibbert, Tyias Browning (knee). In doubt: Phil Jagielka (knee); Bryan Oviedo (hamstring); James McCarthy (groin); Steven Naismith (ankle).
Newcastle have the dubious honor of sitting top of the Premier League’s injury table as we approach the midway point of the season, with 10 of their players struggling with injuries. However, they’ll hope to have Lascelles and Williamson back to reinforce their defense, while Cissé could return to the attack.
The big news for Everton is that captain Jagielka could mark his return to the center of defense, while fullback Oviedo and midfielders McCarthy and Naismith all face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Sat., Dec. 26, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: St. James’ Park, Newcastle, England
TV: NBC (US); Sportsnet World (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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