The season hasn't gone to plan for Newcastle United.

Out of Europe and the Carabao Cup before Christmas, their FA Cup hopes disappeared at Manchester City before the international break and there's no chance of a second successive season in the Champions League.

So what is there to play for in the final 10 games of the Premier League season? What are Eddie Howe's priorities? Which players are playing for their future? And where will the Magpies end up finishing?

Our writers Scott Wilson and Dominic Shaw discuss:

What do Newcastle have to play for in the remaining weeks of the season?

Scott Wilson: Europe. The Champions League campaign whetted the appetite for continental competition, and while some clubs might turn up their noses at a place in either the Europa League or Conference League, an appearance in either competition could be massive for the Magpies. At the moment, a top-seven finish would be needed for Europe, but that could slip to eighth and despite their inconsistencies, Newcastle should be capable of finishing in either position.

Dom Shaw: Europe is clearly still a live ambition. There's every chance an eighth place finish would be enough to secure a tilt at European football next term and while Thursday night action doesn't compare to playing in the Champions League, both the Europa League and Conference League are competitions the Magpies could attack. There's also a need to rediscover form to go into the summer with some momentum and positivity.

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What are the main issues that Eddie Howe must address?

SW: Somehow, the Newcastle boss has to help his side rediscover the intensity and aggression that were the hallmark of their run to the top four last season. The Magpies have looked lacklustre in their last few outings, lacking a spark in attack and proving far too easy to play against defensively. They need to be back in the opposition’s faces in the next few games.

DS: Newcastle were so difficult to play against last season, with Howe's side regularly irking opponents, leading the head coach to say: "We're not here to be popular, we're here to compete". This season, the Magpies have been far too fragile on the pitch. There are major issues to address at the back as well. They've conceded 15 more goals than they did in the entirety of last season - and there are still 10 games to play.

Who is playing for their Newcastle future?

SW: There are a number of fringe players that might well be departing this summer, but their involvement in the final ten matches is likely to be limited. Miguel Almiron’s future remains uncertain after he appeared to be heading to Saudi Arabia in January, while Callum Wilson is another player who could well move on this summer. The striker is expected to return to fitness before the end of the campaign. Beyond that, while not playing for their future, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak could well be the subject of considerable external interest in the next few weeks and further into the summer.

DS: As Scott says, the Almiron and Wilson uncertainty from January will almost certainty run into the summer, when decisions will have to be made on both. A number of players who are currently out of form must also show Howe that they can get back to their best and can still be key figures moving forward. Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff are two who have struggled of late.

What are the key games in the run-in?

SW: Newcastle’s first game back after the break is a big one. They host West Ham, who currently sit seventh, and a win over the Hammers would be a major boost to their European hopes. Similarly, the home games against Tottenham and Brighton have the potential to pit Newcastle against two of their European rivals. Win both, and a top-seven finish could well be on the cards.

DS: Three of Newcastle's next four games are at home, a fixture quirk they must take advantage of. Positive results against West Ham and Everton after the break can act as a springboard, with that first game back particularly decisive against a direct rival in the battle for European football. The final weeks look relatively kind. Sheffield United and Burnley might well be gone by the time the Magpies face the strugglers.

Where do you predict Newcastle will finish?

SW: 7th

DS: 8th