Decent start by Everton who are bossing possession in the opening exchanges but it is already evident that the wet conditions are going to have an impact. Players from both sides are already coated in mud.

Image source, Getty Images

Steve McClaren is late out of the tunnel. The Newcastle boss ha only just taken his seat in the dugout - after going to the opposition bench to shake the hands of every member of Everton's coaching staff.

Everton get us under way at a very wet St James' Park.

A reminder of the teams...

Here's an encouraging stat for Everton fans. The last time Everton and Newcastle played on Boxing Day (1986), Everton won 4-0 at St James’ Park. It was arguably the best display of that title-winning season. Paul Power, Adrian Heath and Trevor Steven (2) were the scorers.

Umbrella sales have gone through the roof in Newcastle. It's pouring down as kick-off approaches. Lots of Santa hats on display but one chap has turned up in a black and white hard hat.

Image source, Reuters

Some say Everton are underachieving in the Premier League. And, in our Predictor league table, the Toffees certainly are.

Everton fans are scrapping around in 17th position, while their Newcastle rivals are faring slightly better in 13th. You can help improve your team's form by having your say in our Predictor game.

You can also check out the Predictor league table and see whether your predictions are better than Mark Lawrenson's guesses.

What are you waiting for? Get involved.

One former Newcastle player in the thoughts of home fans at St James' Park is Pavel Srnicek, who suffered a cardiac arrest in the Czech Republic earlier this week.

Fans are being encouraged to sing the former goalkeeper's name at half-time so his family can play a recording back to him as he recovers.

Will Romelu Lukaku score in his eighth successive Premier League game?

Martin Fisher
MOTD commentator at St James' Park

"Just when Newcastle looked to have turned a corner with those impressive wins over Liverpool and Tottenham they come crashing back to reality with last week's draw at home to hapless Aston Villa. 

"The Toon are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort. In fact the last time they were this low in the table on Christmas Day was in 1988 and they went down that season. 

"Everton's frustrating form is still too patchy for them to kick on. Far too many draws means they remain cast as mid-table also-rans. 

"I can't see past a 1-1 scoreline in this one either. With Romelu Lukaku scoring again, naturally."

Image source, .

Forwards Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic are recalled to the Newcastle side for the visit of Everton. They replace Siem de Jong and Papiss Cisse, who has a groin injury.

Image source, .

Everton make two changes as Kevin Mirallas and Aaron Lennon come in for Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu.

Romelu Lukaku, who has nine goals in his last eight games, leads the line for the Toffees.

Image source, Getty Images

Bad news for Newcastle fans before a ball has even been kicked in anger. Having started the day with a two-point safety cushion, their team is back in the relegation zone after Swansea's win over West Brom.

Everton were 10th but have slipped to 11th following the 15:00 GMT games.

Image source, Getty Images

They started 2015 just seven points off a Champions League spot yet Newcastle United begin their final home game of a sorry calendar year stuck in the relegation zone.

Can Steve McClaren's men give the Toon Army hope they can turn around their fortunes in 2016? Or will Romelu Lukaku continue his astonishing goalscoring form for Everton?

Welcome to our live page for Newcastle v Everton. We’ll have text commentary here from 17:00 GMT. You can keep up to date with all of today’s games here.