Newcastle vs Everton preview: can Steve McClaren's side maintain their fine recent form?

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St James' Park

Steve McClaren;s Newcastle are unbeaten in three games (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Everton defenders: This match will be a real test of the resolve of the Everton defence, following a loss to Leicester that saw them concede two penalties, and three goals total. They will need to bounce back and be more disciplined this week to avoid shooting themselves in the foot.

Best stat…

12: Newcastle have dropped twelve points from winning positions in Premier League fixtures, the most of any team in the top flight.

Remember when…

Leighton Baines scored this missile of a free kick in January 2013 to spark an Everton comeback from 1-0 down as they won 2-1.

Player to watch…

Romelu Lukaku: The Everton forward is on a hot streak at the moment, as he has scored in each of Everton’s last eight matches, netting nine times in that period. A quick mention for Ross Barkley, who created both Everton goals against Leicester, and will be another key player this week.

Past three meetings…

Everton 3 (McCarthy, Lukaku, Barkley) Newcastle 0, Premier League, March 2015

Newcastle 3 (Cisse, Perez, Colback) Everton 2 (Kone, Mirallas), Premier League, December 2014

Newcastle 0 Everton 3 (Barkley, Lukaku, Osman), Premier League, March 2014

Form guide…

Newcastle: WLLWWD

Everton: WDWDDL

Vital Information…

Kick-Off Time: 17:30

TV: Live on BT Sport 1, Highlights on BBC1 10:30pm