Head to Head: Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United) vs Ross Barkley (Everton)

A resurgent Newcastle United side will be looking to move themselves further away from the Premier League’s relegation zone by knocking out Everton on Boxing Day in the English top-flight’s penultimate festive fixture (17:30).

Steve McClaren’s Magpies; who have picked up seven points in their last three outings, could move five points above the bottom three on Saturday with victory, so the former England boss will have his fingers crossed summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum can continue his stunning form for the hosts this weekend.

Meanwhile the Toffees; who have failed to register a league win since November 21, will have all eyes on the likes of midfield maestro Ross Barkley to either feed ammunition for in-form striker Romelu Lukaku or convert a goalscoring chance himself to turn Roberto Martinez’s sides latest stalemates into victories.

With both Wijnaldum and Barkley set to go head-to-head in the centre of the park this evening, here’s how both midfielders match up so far this season…