Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew believes that December will be the defining month in the season for his side and the other 19 teams in the Premier League.
The Magpies have fired themselves up the top-flight table with a run of five straight victories after their poor form earlier in the campaign had left the 53-year-old under immense pressure.
Newcastle face trips to Arsenal and Manchester United in December and also host Chelsea and bitter rivals Sunderland, which Pardew believes will be a major test of his side.
"I think December will change everyone's season, as you can get a good clutch of points," he told the club's official website.
"We've actually got a tough run in terms of games. We go to Burnley on Tuesday which is huge, and they are off the back of two wins so probably the worst time to go there.
"But it's great it's exciting and I can't wait for the next game."
Newcastle face West Ham United in their Premier League clash later today.
