The six Newcastle United players Eddie Howe could hand a lifeline to amid 'tough examination'

Newcastle United face a 'tough examination' of their resurgent form starting with an encounter at Southampton. That is the view of Magpies head coach Eddie Howe, who accepts the 'quick succession' of three away fixtures in eight days will test his side's tactical adaptability.

Newcastle's hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Brighton in their last outing extended their unbeaten top-flight run to eight matches, and lifted the club seven points clear of the relegation zone. However, United now face an extended run away from Tyneside following the Premier League's decision to reschedule the postponed clashes with the Saints and Everton on successive Thursday nights.

Howe has stressed his belief in the full squad at his disposal, despite largely relying on a settled starting eleven in recent weeks. The former Bournemouth boss has been reluctant to disrupt the 'rhythm' during the unbeaten run, but insists each player still has a 'huge role' to play.

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Newcastle landed five signings in the January transfer window, and a busy summer is expected if Howe manages to secure top-flight survival. Injuries and a loss of form could provide opportunities in the final three months of the season, but this eight-day run could provide the best chance for current fringe players to stake their claim.

With rotation against Southampton, Chelsea and Everton likely, here is a look at six players who could be handed a lifeline for their Newcastle future ahead of the international break.

Perhaps the most obvious name on this list, the former United record signing has become a peripheral figure under Howe. The Paraguayan playmaker has not started