Two of the Premier League's in-form sides go head to head today in what should be a Boxing Day cracker at St James' Park. Newcastle United have hit form at an important time, but know Aston Villa will be a tough test of their credentials this afternoon.

Eddie Howe has seen his side cruise to 4-0 wins over Leicester City and Ipswich Town, as well as book a Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal after beating Brentford, but Villa have shaken off a poor spell to record victories over Manchester City, Brentford and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Both head into today's game with confidence, and know that three points can give their European chances a big boost - Newcastle could go fifth while Villa could move into the top four if results go their way. The Premier League pundits - including United legend Alan Shearer - have made their predictions for today's game, so here's what they are saying.

Alan Shearer

"Aston Villa had hit a bit of form again and they were brilliant against Man City, three points would set up Newcastle well going into that match at Old Trafford next week," Shearer told Betfair. "They've made three teams look very average, but they're now coming up against a very good Aston Villa side.

"It will be a really tough game, two sides that have got back to form and have had good results recently. Both teams are very strong in forward positions, Duran or Watkins if he plays him along with Rodgers, and of course Isak is coming into this one off the back of a hat trick full of confidence.

"Ollie Watkins will be feeling a bit angry, I guess, although the team are winning. He's a centre forward and you have to have a little bit of selfishness about you. I think for the manager and for the club it's a really healthy situation. The manager will play them off against each other and say when you get your opportunity and I put you in, you have to do it. You can't leave Jhon Duran out, it's the time of year when there are a lot of games and the manager may change it around, but he's got two incredible options there who will both be desperate to play. I'm going to go for a home win for Newcastle on Boxing Day at St James' Park.

Prediction: Newcastle win.

READ MORE: Newcastle United vs Aston Villa LIVE: Team news and updates from St James' Park

Chris Sutton

"Newcastle seem to be hitting a bit of form - as I predicted, although I don't like to mention it - and Alexander Isak looks unstoppable at the moment," Sutton told the BBC. "It just shows that people should never write off Magpies manager Eddie Howe.

"Aston Villa were comfortable in their win against Manchester City on Saturday, and I love what Morgan Rogers is doing for them this season. Villa manager Unai Emery has a nice headache up front, to choose between Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, and it means they have always got goals in them.

"It is Newcastle I am going with here, though. They seem to be building real momentum although I guess there is the risk I am reading too much into them being so comfortable against little Ipswich Town at the weekend. They were ruthless against little Ipswich at Portman Road, and I think they will be ruthless at home against Villa too."

Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Aston Villa

Mark Lawrenson

"Newcastle have had a couple of big wins but I’m going to side with Aston Villa," Lawrenson told Paddy Power. "They’re back on the bus now and they’re a great side when they’re at it."

Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Aston Villa