Newcastle United head into the international break in pretty awful shape.

Eddie Howe's squad has been decimated by injuries over the last month or so and that appeared to come to a head when Newcastle were well-beaten away at Bournemouth on Saturday.

It was arguably one of the worst performances of the Howe era and ended with Kieran Trippier having a heated exchange with a supporter after the full-time whistle.

Clearly, context must be applied. Howe is having to play young players across a number of different competitions, such are the lack of available bodies.

Still, and while some slack should be given considering the situation, Newcastle look like struggling in the top four battle.

Already six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, it's not going to be easy to secure Champions League qualification again.

Indeed, pundit Micah Richards believes he knows what the issue.

Newcastle: Micah Richards believes Eddie Howe was "always" going to have this problem Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit pointed to the fact Newcastle were fighting on different fronts, having to balance their Premier League season along with two cups.

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Richards believes that was always going to cause an issue and says it could be Aston Villa who finish fourth instead.

"Newcastle were absolutely firing and they've got a few injuries and they don't look the same team," he said.

"Being in a lot of competitions was always ging to hinder Newcastle this season.

"Maybe Aston Villa are the team to break in."

A return like that could not come at a better time, either. Chelsea await in the first game back and they are proving to be a team who can raise their game when playing some of the better teams in the division.

With their tails up, their visit to St James' Park is a huge test. Lose that and perhaps the top four will be gone.