Newcastle United have battled on valiantly in the wake of an ongoing injury crisis that has robbed Eddie Howe of over £200m worth of players for the majority of the season.
Despite the absence of key figures such as Sven Botman, Callum Wilson and Sandro Tonali, the Magpies have forced themselves into the battle for a top four place and are still in with a shout of progressing into the knockout rounds of the Champions League and semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Then there is the FA Cup third round tie against local rivals Sunderland, as Howe and his players prepare to travel to the Stadium of Light for the first FA Cup tie with the Black Cats since a quarter-final clash in 1956.
Howe will hope his injury crisis has subsided by the time his squad makes the short trip to Wearside - but there will also be a focus on adding new faces to his ranks as the January transfer window opens just days earlier. Speculation over which new signings could arrive at St James Park will increase over the coming weeks - but how could United look when the transfer window closes at the end of January?
1. GK: David De Gea
The former Manchester United goalkeeper remains a free agent after leaving Old Trafford during the summer - and he is said to be under consideration as the Magpies prepare for life without Nick Pope for the foreseeable future. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Mr Reliable in the Magpies side and surely one of the club's best signings for decades. What an impact he has made on and off the pitch. | AFP via Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
It is amazing to think Newcastle only paid around £3m to sign Schar during Rafa Benitez's time at the club. Still a key figure, integral in an ever-improving defence and a real leader in the dressing room. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
The Dutch defender is closing in on a return from injury but will find it tough to get back into Howe's side after captain Jamaal Lascelles performed well in his absence. | Getty Images