Eddie Howe issues stark message to squad as Newcastle manager warns of 'season-defining month'

Despite their mid-table placement, Howe's side remains within touching distance of the upper echelons, sitting merely four points behind fifth place.

Their recent domestic performances have been uneven, though Tuesday evening's 3-1 away victory over Burnley provided a welcome boost.

The head coach recognises that his team's erratic league results must be addressed.

A two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final awaits Newcastle in the coming weeks, presenting a significant opportunity for silverware.

Additionally, the club can secure passage to the Champions League last 16 during this pivotal period.

However, Howe is acutely aware that his players' frustrating inconsistency in league competition cannot persist if they hope to fulfil their ambitions this season.

The 48-year-old said: “We’re in there fighting and scrapping for every point that we can in the Premier League. It’s been a difficult season so far, it’s not been plain sailing for us, but the points gap is minimal if we can put a run together.

"It’s a big if. It’s that magic word consistency, being able to back up results, which has probably been our failing this season, so that’s what were looking to do and if we can, things can change quickly and the perspective can be very different.

"We haven’t been able to do it yet, but this is the moment and we’re running out of opportunities because beyond this, I don’t think we’ll get another chance.

"Our focus is there and the performance levels have been pretty good for a while, but it’s a season-defining month for us and we’re going to be challenged on various fronts, so exciting times ahead, I think.”

St James’ has not been a happy hunting ground for Oliver Glasner’s Palace in recent seasons.

Their two most recent league visits ended in 4-0 and 5-0 defeats respectively, and they will arrive on Tyneside without a win in six games in all competitions.

However, Howe is wary of a side which sat three places and one point better off than his going into the weekend.

He described the game as "difficult."

Howe added: "Their away form is very good. They’re a very good defensive team, solid, tough to score against and good attackers as well.

"It goes without saying how good a job Oliver has done. I’ve watched them closely. They’ve lost players – whether it be through injury or Africa Cup of Nations – but they’re still a very good team and a team we can’t and won’t under-estimate.

"But it’s a game we can do well in if we’re at our best levels.”

Howe could have full-backs Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier, as well as central defender Sven Botman, back at his disposal following their recovery from injury.

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