Newcastle United welcome Stoke City to St James' Park, with both sides looking to extend their unbeaten runs.

The hosts have lost just once in their last eight, an impressive run of form which sees them in firmly in contention for a European spot as they currently occupy sixth place. Alan Pardew's side come into the game on the back of a 3-0 away win at Crystal Palace and they have not lost any of their last five league games in front of a home crowd. Stoke have enjoyed a recent change in fortunes and their 2-1 win at home to Aston Villa saw them extend their unbeaten run to four games in the league, climbing up to 10th the process. However, Mark Hughes' side are without a league win away from home since they beat West Ham 1-0 back in August. Stoke have suffered defeat in their last two visits to Newcastle, but Newcastle have lost six of their last seven Premier League games played on Boxing Day.

PAUL MERSON'S PREDICTIONS:

Newcastle will win this. About seven weeks ago people were talking about them being in a relegation battle - and I was probably one of them - but they are flying along now and the game that probably changed things was the Tottenham one. They could have lost by at least six goals in that match but won it and haven't looked back. If they get all their players fit, they are a really good team. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0Alan Pardew will be without Cheick Tiote after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-0 win at Crystal Palace. Having come off the bench to find the net at Selhurst Park, Hatem Ben Arfa could return to the starting line-up in Tiote's absence. Winger Jonas Gutierrez is nursing a calf problem picked up in training and is a doubt but otherwise, the Newcastle boss has no new concerns with Ryan Taylor his only long-term absentee due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam starred off the bench in the 2-1 win over Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal, and Mark Hughes may be prompted into rewarding him with a start. Hughes also has Stephen Ireland available for selection once again in midfield after he was forced to sit out against his parent club. Defender Robert Huth is a definite absentee and he will miss all of the Christmas fixtures as he recovers from a knee operation.