As things stand, the Magpies 18th in the table after five matches, with three losses and two draws from their opening set of fixtures.
With a tricky October ahead with games against both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea on the horizon, the pressure is on for Steve Bruce's side to pick up some points and build up some positive momentum to kick-start their season.
Meanwhile, ex-Magpies star stopper Shay Given has been giving an insight into his time at the club under the management of Ruud Gullit, and told OpenGoal: “When you’re in the zone in the mix of it all, you’re kind of focused on your own job. But looking back now, the biggest thing was when they played Sunderland, it was a massive derby game.
“I was actually injured that night and Duncan Ferguson and Alan Shearer were both left out of the team - they were on the bench and they played a young guy [Paul] Robinson up front.
“We lost 2-1 and at eight o’clock the next morning, both Ferguson and Shearer were waiting outside the manager’s office. I think Alan got there at ten past eight but Duncan was there already - you wouldn’t want to be there.
“Sexy football seemed a long way away at that point.”
Take a look at the latest news round-up from the Premier League, as the build-up to the weekend's action continues:


1. Pundit questions Celtic's Brady interest
Football pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Celtic shouldn't look to pursue a move for ex-Burnley forward Robbie Brady, raising concerns over the player's level of fitness. Joining the Clarets for £13m in 2017, the Republic of Ireland went on to make 87 appearances for the club. (Football Insider) Photo: CLIVE BRUNSKILL

2. Ex-Toffees boss could land Barca job
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has been named the fresh favourite for the Barcelona job, as the pressure on Ronald Koeman continues to grow. Martinez spent three seasons in charge of Everton prior to landing the Belgium job back in 2016. (SkyBet) Photo: ANDREAS GEBERT

3. Foxes target could leave for £25m
Leicester City target Robin Gosens could be up for grabs in an upcoming transfer window, despite Atalanta spurning offers for the player last summer. Reports from Italy suggest the Germany international could be let go for around £25m. (Calciomercato) Photo: Emilio Andreoli

4. Brighton made big bid for Nunez
Reports from Portugal suggest Brighton made an offer of over £25m for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez over the summer. He's got the new season off to a flyer, scoring four goals in as many games for the Portuguese giants. (Record) Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA