Clearly, something is wrong at Newcastle United this season. Despite a trio of decent performances against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Southampton, new boss Steve McClaren finds his side struggling towards the foot of the table.

After losses to Watford, West Ham and Sheffield Wednesday, serious questions were asked of the former England boss, as well as members of his squad. The Magpies were under heavy scrutiny until a plucky performance against Chelsea alleviated at least some of the pressure.

However, one decent outing does not make up for the last 9 months or so the Geordie faithful have been subjected to. Despite almost £50m spent in the transfer window, the Toon Army have looked almost as disjointed as they were under the infamous John Carver.

After heavy expenditure from owner Mike Ashley, the problems don’t seem to be the players Newcastle don’t have, but rather the players they do have.

Here are five members of the side McClaren should look to axe in January.

MOUSSA SISSOKO

Sissoko

Starting off with a big one here. The Frenchman is nearly unstoppable on his day, but those days simply don’t come around too often. Here’s constant flirtation with everything Champions League is leaving his current partner (Newcastle) stood alone at the bar.

As the winter window is renowned for its ridiculously over inflated prices, and selling the enigmatic midfielder may be worth it in the long run. No doubt that the St. James’ Park outfit are better with a super Sissoko in the side, but when he’s not top on form – it’s largely like playing with 10 men.

STEVEN TAYLOR

Steven Taylor

Yes, he’s a Geordie. Yes, he loves Newcastle. No, he isn’t a very good defender.

Sentimental value has no place in top level sport anymore, ask the likes of Frank Lampard, Iker Casillas and Bastian Schweinsteiger – and they’re all far more talented than Steven Taylor.

With Burnley defender Michael Keane and Cameroonian star Joel Matip linked with a move to the club – it’s time to say goodbye to the 29-year old. He plays his heart out for his boyhood heroes, but that can’t be a reason to keep him at this level.

PAPPIS CISSE

Papiss Cisse

Much like the aforementioned Sissoko, Pappis Demba Cisse is not usually the sort of player you want to be selling when your backs are against the wall. He’s got the ability to pop up with a goal out of nothing, as he has done countless times in the North East.

However, again, like Sissoko, he can become a passenger. Granted, he’s been feeding off scraps at times but with the likes of Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez in the side – the Senegalese star should be shifted on.

EMMANUEL RIVIERE

Riviere

The former Monaco man really hasn’t done a lot in black and white. Signed last year, he managed only three goals in all competitions during his maiden campaign. With £13.5m Aleksandar Mitrovic impressing (when he plays), Ayoze Perez dazzling and a bid thought to be on the way for Charlie Austin – Riviere looks certain to be dispensed with.

Perhaps a move to a Championship side can get his career back on track.

SYLVAIN MARVEAUX

Sylvain Marveaux

Another Frenchman, the former Rennes midfielder has looked decent enough in glimpses, but has struggled to impose himself on the side. Whether it be through injury, or Alan Pardew simply not trusting him enough to put him in the first team – the 29-year old hasn’t kicked on at St. James’ Park.

Bizarrely enough, Marveaux looks to be an excellent player when in full flow, it’s just getting into such a flow has proved impossible thus far.