They are a Premier League club with a realistic chance of playing in Europe next season, whose sometimes-stubborn manager has overcome the odds with shrewd signings. And, in an era of excessive spending, they're in decent financial shape.
The description could be applied to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal but it also fits their Monday night opponents, Newcastle United. If the Magpies are able to record their 13th victory of the season at the Emirates Stadium, they will climb to 47 points, exceeding last season's tally with 10 matches to go. Alan Pardew arrived on Tyneside 15 months ago to face much negativity after the sacking of the popular Chris Hughton, who had brought stability after winning promotion. The BBC called the appointment 'twisted, madcap logic of a club that seems only comfortable with chaos'.
Pardew has not only proven the doubters wrong but also has slowly endeared himself to the Geordie faithful. This week, he was named North East Sports Personality of the Year. So much for shunning the so-called Cockney mafia at Newcastle. Pardew was born in London and owner Mike Ashley hails from Buckinghamshire in the capital's commuter belt.
It is almost inconceivable that Newcastle should be in the top six after parting ways with so many of their biggest personalities last year. Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique went to Liverpool, while Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan headed south to join London sides QPR and West Ham.
But thanks to the skilful eye of chief scout Graham Carr, Newcastle have barely missed a beat this season. Demba Ba, who moved from West Ham in a free transfer, has turned into one of the biggest bargains in recent times with 16 league goals. And his fellow Senegalese striker Papiss Demba Cisse has also made an instant impact since joining in January from SC Freiburg.
French midfielders Johan Cabaye and Gabriel Obertan and Italian defender Davide Santon are among the other newcomers to have contributed.