Games are coming thick and fast in the Championship as the festive period is under way. It's the time when Newcastle United must prove their mettle and show that they can handle the pressure at the top.
A Wednesday night trip to the Ricoh arena is the next test, with United looking to keep up their impressive form against a struggling Coventry City.
The magpies have an opportunity to extend their lead to seven points as fortunately for them second placed West Brom were beaten by Cardiff City last night.
United will have to do it without the suspended Kevin Nolan after he was sent off in the match against Watford. The midfielder is likely to be replaced by fit again Nicky Butt.
Another option would be to give winger Fabrice Pancrate his first start in black and white, following his tremendous goal at the weekend. Though manager Chris Hughton may just decide to ease the Frenchman in, planning for a busy schedule ahead.
Striker Andy Carroll may have damaged his chances of getting back into the starting line-up due to being arrested late on Sunday night for apparently fighting in a city centre nightclub.
Coventry have a number of injury worries to deal with. Full back Marcus Hall who only just returned from a long spell on the sidelines aggravated a calf problem in the Sky Blues recent loss to Scunthorpe.
Ben Turner and Sammy Clingan are not yet ready to return to action, plus Isaac Osbourne has another few weeks out of the squad.
Former Sunderland defender and Cov captain Stephen Wright is suspended.
Out of 66 meetings between the two clubs since 1936, Newcastle have won 32 of them and tonight look like making it 33.
Wey Aye
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