NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT looks at five key players who can save Newcastle's season.
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| Steve McClaren will need his stars to deliver if Newcastle are to stay up |
The Magpies sit dangerously close to the relegation zone following a disappointing start to the season.
Newcastle only ensured Premier League safety on the last day of the season in May and their fans will be praying they aren't put through that torment once again.
And here are five players that could be crucial to Steve McClaren's side fate next year.
Rob Elliot
The former Charlton man started the campaign as third-choice goalkeeper behind Tim Krul and Karl Darlow.
But with Krul ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Darlow also spending time on the treatment table, Elliot has been called upon.
Enjoying his first regular starting role in the Premier League since arriving from Charlton in 2011, Elliot has fared well so far.
The 29-year-old put in a man of the match performance in their 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month and he'll need to produce many more displays of that calibre to give Newcastle the best chance of survival.
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| Georginio Wijnaldum has netted seven times for the Magpies this season |
Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutchman has gone from winning the Eredivisie title last season with PSV Eindhoven to a relegation scrap in the Premier League.
Wijnaldum has netted seven times since his move, with four of them coming in their 6-2 thrashing of Norwich in October.
McClaren will benefit from the 25-year-old's versatility should any of his attacking players suffer injuries.
Wijnaldum has admitted to preferring to play in a central midfield role but is capable of playing as a winger, as well as a striker.
With Netherlands failing to qualify for next summer's European Championships fans can rest assured that Wijnaldum's primary focus will be on keeping Newcastle up.
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| Moussa Sissoko is a key member in Newcastle's midfield |
Moussa Sissoko
Contracted until the summer of 2019, Newcastle fans will be hoping the Frenchman sees out every day of his deal.
Sissoko is one of the key members of McClaren's side and is vital in helping Newcastle move the ball up the pitch when counter-attacking.
He's quick, strong, full of tricks and is always keen to fulfil his defensive duties when needed.
While goals aren't necessarily what he is known for, Sissoko's creativity means he is one of the first names on McClaren's teamsheet each week.
Rolando Aarons
The 20-year-old looks to be an exciting prospect for McClaren to utilise… if he stays fit that is.
Aarons has been reduced to just four appearances this term following a hamstring injury he picked up in training in October.
The midfielder is expected to make his return in January - giving his manager a major boost.
Aarons broke into the team at the start of the 2014/15 season but another injury kept him out for large parts.
Maybe this time around the tricky winger can cement his place in McClaren's starting XI.
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| Rolando Aarons is expected to return from injury in the New Year |
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Booked after just 11 seconds of his Newcastle debut in their 2-2 draw with Southampton in August, it was clear McClaren's £13million summer signing was going to be lively.
The Serbian's enthusiasm can't be doubted but he will have to control his recklessness if he wants to shine at St James' Park.
Mitrovic has more bookings (six yellow cards and one red) than he does goals (three) so far but his hunger to score will have impressed McClaren.
The 21-year-old recorded 36 goals in 69 league appearances for Anderlecht before moving to England - so fans can will expect to see plenty more from the forward.
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