Newcastle United will be bidding to record their best Premier League run in 26 years when they play host to Leeds United on New Year's Eve.
Across the main leagues in Europe, the Magpies have emerged as the most surprising title contenders courtesy of collecting 33 points from their opening 16 Premier League fixtures.
Although Eddie Howe's side remain seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal having played one more game than the Gunners, they are now viewed as contenders to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Ahead of welcoming Leeds to St James' Park on Saturday, Newcastle hold a four-point advantage over fifth-placed Manchester United.
That lead has been earned through prevailing in six successive matches in the top flight, the latest of which came on Boxing Day as Newcastle breezed past Leicester City.
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Before that success, Newcastle recorded victories over Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Southampton and Chelsea before the World Cup break.
Should Newcastle overcome Leeds at the weekend, it will mark the first time in 26 years that they have recorded seven consecutive triumphs in the top flight.
Back in 1996, a Newcastle side managed by Kevin Keegan were challenging Man United for the Premier League title and posted 21 points from a possible 21 between September 4 and October 20.
The first six of those wins all came by a one-goal margin, including a 4-3 thriller versus Aston Villa, before Newcastle famously defeated Man United by a 5-0 scoreline at St James' Park.
Despite the significance of that win, Newcastle would emerge victorious in just one of their following nine encounters, a run which ultimately proved pivotal in the title race.
Meanwhile, Leeds make the trip to the North-East on a three-game unbeaten streak at St James' Park and they are bidding to go four unbeaten in a row for the first time.
Darren Plant
