Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes the coming week will define the team's season.

The Magpies are still without a win in the Premier League this season, as they prepare to take on Norwich City on Tuesday and Burnley on Saturday.

Under new coach Eddie Howe, Newcastle will be hoping to turn the page and claim vital wins in one or both of these games.

Shearer believes failure is not an option, with the team languishing rock bottom of the league.

He wrote in the BBC: "There are no ifs or buts about it - Newcastle's season is really all about their next two games, Norwich on Tuesday and then Burnley on Saturday.

"They are both at St James' Park, and they are both must-win matches for Eddie Howe's side.

"Even six points probably won't lift Newcastle out of the Premier League's bottom three because their goal difference is so bad.

"But two wins are imperative because that would at least put them in touch with the teams just above the drop zone, with an extremely tough run of games to follow.

"Otherwise, Newcastle are facing a scenario where they are well adrift come the start of January, which could affect the calibre of players who arrive when the transfer window opens.

"Not many top players will want to commit to a team who, by then, might look a lot like they are going to be relegated.

"I know there is the loan market as well, but I think it is really key that, come January, there is some hope of staying up in order to attract the players Newcastle will need to try to keep the club in the Premier League."