We're only just over halfway through this Premier League season, but it already feels as though the next few weeks will be crucial for Newcastle United's ambitions.

But far from approaching the challenges of the coming month in trepidation, Eddie Howe's side will meet the tests head on, wiith justified confidence that they are on the verge of something special. A little over two months ago, it would perhaps be surprising that we would be able to talk in terms of trophy tilts and a chance of a top-four finish.

The inconsistency which plagued the first third of the season had suggested that the evolution of the United side - which had achieved so much in such a short space of time - would take a little longer than many had hoped. There was even, ridiculously, some questioning of Howe himself, largely from external spectators, after the disappointments of the draw at Crystal Palace and home defeat to West Ham.

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All that feels a long time ago now, but make no mistake, the big challenge is just around the corner. Newcastle face six games in February which will give us a true picture of just where this side stand right now. Four Premier League games and two cup clashes will go a long way to deciding what is up for grabs in the final three months of the season.

Of course the cup competitions are a simple equation. Newcastle are favourites to reach the Carabao Cup final after taking a two-goal lead into next week's second leg with Arsenal in front of the St James' faithful. Score the first goal and their resistance could weaken - concede and we could be in for a dramatic night. One thing is for sure, Mikel Arteta would swap places with United right now, so there is no need for anything but confidence.

Similiarly, United will expect to be in the draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup following their visit to League One Birmingham City. The Blues are focused on promotion back to the Championship and, while they have quality and confidence, surely a focused Newcastle can ensure no shocks on fourth-round weekend.

In the Premier League, United have no less that three top-four sides to face, including away days at champions Manchester City and champions-elect Liverpool. Expectations may be low of a returning home with points in the bag . . . but neither Arne Slot nor Pep Guardiola's men won on Tyneside this season, and United have the confidence of wins at Arsenal, Spurs, Man Unted and Forest, so let's not write anything off.

Speaking of Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo's side return to St James' Park looking to repeat last season's Boxing Day smash-and-grab, but United will be ready for them. They've already beaten them twice this season after all, albeit once on penalties, so you could argue they have their number. A warm welcome for Elliot Anderson could be as good as it gets for the visitors.

That this weekend's oppponents Fulham are the lowest ranked of all the February league opposition - currently in 10th - tells you all you need to know about the challenge. The Cottagers are the only side United managed to beat in the same fixtures last season, although Marco Silva's men will be tougher opponents on Saturday.

It's a daunting set of matches, but also an exciting one. Whereas once the Newcastle faithful may have feared the worst, now it's a question of how many noses Howe's men can bloody as their march up the table continues, and the glimmer of silverware grows ever nearer. It won't be easy, but come the start of March, we could be set for an almighty end to this season.

Newcastle United's February fixtures

• February 1: Fulham (H), Premier League

• February 5: Arsenal (H), Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg

• February 8: Birmingham (A), FA Cup fourth round

• February 15: Manchester CIty (A), Premier League

• February 23: Notingham Forest (H), Premier League

• February 26: Liverpool (A), Premier League