Nedum Onuoha believes the next 15 games for Newcastle United will not only define this campaign, but also set the tone for next season.
Newcastle have won just one of their last seven in the Premier League, and have fallen out of the top four for the first time since October.
The Magpies lost the Carabao Cup final 2-0 at the hands of Manchester United at Wembley, and are also out of the FA Cup.
As a result, ex-Man City and Sunderland defender Onuoha says Newcastle can focus full attention on the Premier League, and treat every game like a 'cup final', starting with their trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Man City on Saturday.
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"Their season is very focused on them finishing in the top four. They are out of the FA Cup, they've just lost in the League Cup final. There's nothing else for them to be playing for because they are not in Europe," Onuoha told CityTV.
"So these last 15 games are the most important that they've had for a very long time. It's going to set the tone not just for this season, but what next season looks like.
"It could be important in terms of their recruitment in the summer. So their focus is going to be straight down the line now.
"Everyone of these games will be like a cup final and given the fact that Tottenham have now snuck into fourth. Every game is going to be huge for them and I'm sure there is going to be 100% commitment from them."
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