Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa believes that the Magpies are facing a crucial period in their season.
The North East outfit come up against Brugge in the Europa League this week, which is then followed by Premier League encounters with West Ham United and Swansea City.
Alan Pardew's men then welcome Maritimo to St James' Park for a European tie, with league fixtures against Southampton and Stoke City also lined up.
"We have a big week ahead," Chronicle Live quotes Ben Arfa as saying. "First Brugge and then West Ham and we have to win both.
"If we win the next few games in the Premier League we will move up the table. There is West Ham first and then Swansea. I think the next five games are very important."
Newcastle currently sit 10th in the league table.
