Ten Premier League games without a win, a run stretching back to May this year, is one that needs put to bed sooner rather than later for United, with the Magpies already six points adrift of safety in the Premier League and languishing in 19th-spot.
After a 3-0 Chelsea defeat last time out – is it time for a switch up? Liam Kennedy picks his starting XI (4-4-2) and makes FIVE changes.
. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Newcastle player Sean Longstaff makes a point during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on October 30, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle player Sean Longstaff makes a point during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on October 30, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Photo: Stu Forster
. GOALKEEPER: Martin Dubravka
It's time for a change. The Slovak is the best goalkeeper at the club and is now fit. He must play. Photo: Stu Forster
. RIGHT-BACK: Javier Manquillo
The only real right-back at the club, so he continues in the slot. Have a feeling Emil Krafth may well be favoured were it up to Graeme Jones. Photo: Stu Forster
. CENTRE-BACK: Federico Fernandez
Second change to the side - in comes United's best defender, who has been inexplicably cut out under Jones. Photo: Ryan Pierse
5. LEFT-BACK: Jamal Lewis
What has this lad got to do to get a game? Matt Ritchie needs taken out of the defence, he's been a defensive liability of late. Photo: Ian MacNicol
6. RIGHT SIDE: Miguel Almiron
The lack of legs in the United side needs addressed - and one way to do that is to call upon the Paraguayan. Out of position, but that's nothing new. Photo: Stu Forster
7. CENTRE MIDFIELD: Sean Longstaff
The deeper sitting of the two midfielders, for me, would be Sean Longstaff, who edges in ahead of Jonjo Shelvey. Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. CENTRE MIDFIELD: Joe Willock
Another who can help add running and energy in midfield. For that reason he's in ahead of Ryan Fraser, who has been poor in the last two, and Isaac Hayden. Photo: Catherine Ivill