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: 2-0