Premier League preview: Newcastle v Everton

Newcastle have lost two successive matches across the Christmas period but it could have been a whole lot different for Alan Pardew’s side.

The 1999 FA Cup runners-up led on three occasions but went on to lose 4-3 against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

With scores locked at 3-3 in the dying moments, Javier Hernandez popped up to break Newcastle’s hearts.

And Newcastle were involved in another high-scoring thriller with Arsenal on Saturday, suffering a mammoth 7-3 defeat.

However, the score flattered the London club with their final three goals coming in the last five minutes at Etihad Stadium, leaving Newcastle languishing in 15th position on the Premier League table, three points clear of the drop zone.

Newcastle have now shipped 11 goals in two games, something they will need to address if they are to return to the winners’ circle against Everton on Wednesday.

Everton were made to pay for wasting a number of chances on Sunday as they lost 2-1 at home to Chelsea.

The defeat ended Everton’s unbeaten home record, which stretched back to last season, and a run of seven matches without a loss.

Despite the loss, Everton head into 2013 in sixth position and on the back of their biggest points haul in a calendar year since 1987.

David Moyes’ team are undefeated in the past two meetings against Newcastle, with their most recent victory in May 2012 coming courtesy of goals from Steven Pienaar, Nikica Jelavic and Johnny Heitinga.

However, Everton fell to a 2-1 loss in the pair’s most recent clash at St James’ Park on November 5, 2011.

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson missed the remarkable match at Etihad Stadium due to a one-game suspension but is set to return, while Everton are expected to welcome back key midfielder Marouane Fellaini from a three-match ban.