Clashes against Sunderland and Arsenal will shape the remainder of the campaign.
The Premier League season has been a good ride for Newcastle fans so far.
But is it about to come to an abrupt halt?
A 5-0 mauling at Spurs was put down to a blip, but failure to beat Wolves at home was more chastening.
They now have two games coming up which will make or break their season.
If they beat their North-East rivals Sunderland, all will be right with the world for Newcastle fans, and they could probably live with a defeat to Arsenal.
The derby is the big one, and Martin O’Neill’s side will put up a real challenge, even despite their uncharacteristic 4-0 defeat to West Brom.
Lose, and flaws exposed in the defeats to Spurs and Fulham will be highlighted again, and the wheels will look like coming off the Toon bandwagon.
They have every reason to believe they are still in the race for fourth too, and winning at Arsenal could set the tone for the last 10 games regardless of what happens against the Mackems.
But on their last two trips to the capital, Newcastle have conceded 10 goals, unthinkable for a defence which seemed impregnable earlier in the season.
Couple that with Arsenal bagging five against Spurs on Sunday, and the omens do not look good.
But win them both, or even just one of them, and the club will continue to stay in the race for fourth.
New signing Papiss Cisse has two in two home games and fans will hope to can continue that run against Sunderland.
The side need to tighten up at the back, and with Tiote back in action the chances of that should be improved, they were unfortunate against Wolves on Saturday.
There are still big games to come apart from these two, a home clash with Liverpool for example.
The side need to show the same intensity they had in their 3-0 win over Manchester United in their upcoming matches.
I believe the side can finish fourth, if they win their next two games.
It is a big ask considering their stumbling form this month, but that should make them even more determined to make it up to their supporters.
If the players can’t lift themselves for a crucial derby with Sunderland, then they should take a hard look in the mirror.
If they lose their next two, they can kiss goodbye to their lofty aspirations of fourth, and their season will probably tail off with it.
Supporters will be roaring them on Sunday in the hope that does not happen.
– Do you think Newcastle can beat both Sunderland and Arsenal?
image: © mikebrown59
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