And we are off!

We're almost ready to get this one under way, and the players will be desperate to considering the state of the weather at the Kirklees Stadium this afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Lawrenson
BBC Football Expert

Lawro is up against David Ginola in this week's Premier League predictions, with both tipping an away victory...

Newcastle were unlucky to lose to a last-gasp Wolves goal last weekend, and Huddersfield also went down to a late winner at Arsenal.

Aaron Mooy's injury is a blow for Huddersfield, because they are short of goals anyway.

Newcastle are hardly free-scoring but with Salomon Rondon up front they always pose a threat. Magpies boss Rafael Benitez has got him playing, and he is a handful.

Lawro's prediction: 0-2

Ginola's prediction: 0-1

Image source, Salomon Rondon

Image source, Getty Images

Huddersfield boss David Wagner: "In general, Rafa's teams are very well organised and well drilled. They don't give chances away and they have a target man with Rondon.

"We want to keep them away from our box. Newcastle are three points in front of us and we will try everything to get on the same level."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez: "For us, every game is like a final. We have to approach every game thinking one point could make a massive difference.

"That is why I was so upset against Wolves (last week). It makes it so much more difficult for us when you have these decisions. The next two games (Huddersfield and Fulham) are massive."

Guy Mowbray
Match of the Day commentator

After November revivals, December has been bleak for both clubs so far, ramping up the pressure for this one.

David Wagner desperately wants a win - and then another when Southampton visit next week - for Christmas, but the absence of Aaron Mooy could harm the Terriers' hopes.

Huddersfield don't score enough as it is. Now others MUST step up to create AND finish in the absence of their best midfielder.

Two of Newcastle's three successes this season happened without the man who is arguably theirs, but I can't help thinking that this was a game for Jonjo Shelvey to play in had he been fit.

A scrap awaits, with one goal either way to win it.

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Injuries to Aaron Mooy and Danny Williams have forced David Wagner to alter his line-up in a crucial game at the bottom, as 21-year-old Juninho Bacuna, Philip Billing and Florent Hadergjonaj start for the Terriers.

Huddersfield XI: Lossl, Hadergjonaj, Jorgensen, Schindler, Kongolo, Lowe, Hogg, Biling, Bacuna, Pritchard, Depoitre

Image source, -

There are also three changes made by Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez, with DeAndre Yedlin suspended for this one. Defender Fabian Schar returns to action.

Kenedy and Javier Manquillo also earn starts against Huddersfield, while Matt Ritchie drops to the bench.

Newcastle XI: Dubravka, Manquillo, Lascelles, Schar, Clark, Kenedy, Diame, Ki, Atsu, Perez, Rondon

Image source, -

Both Huddersfield and Newcastle are winless in three heading into today's important game, following narrow defeats to Arsenal and Wolves respectively last weekend.

The Terriers have now lost eight of their past 12 league games - but victory would see them move level with the visitors in the table. The Magpies, having cancelled their Christmas party, have the opportunity to further distance themselves from the relegation spots.

These sides have struggled for goals so far, however, and with both meetings ending 1-0 last season we could be in for another close one at the Kirklees Stadium this afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images