One of the main reasons for Newcastle’s current plight is their consistent inability to put the ball into the back of the net when it matters most.

The Magpies have scored just 29 goals in 30 games in the Premier League this season – the second worst amount in the entire division.

All eggs were placed in the basket of Aleksandar Mitrovic at the start of the season, but despite being a regular starter, the big Serb has found it difficult to score the goals needed to propel United higher up the table.

Fans cried out for a new striker in the January transfer window, and the experienced Seydou Doumbia was brought in on a season-long loan.

However, as of yet, the Ivorian has not started a single game and Newcastle still find it difficult to score goals.

With eight games to go, we take a look at possible strike partnerships that could save our season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Papiss Cisse

During Cisse’s time on Tyneside, we saw him flourish up front with Demba Ba under Alan Pardew.

When the Senegalese striker was brought on in the latest installation of the Tyne-Wear derby, he and Mitrovic looked dangerous as a pairing.

Cisse is a fox in the box and if he was to play alongside Mitrovic, they would compliment each other quite well.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Seydou Doumbia

Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe are a prime example of a successful striking partnership that involves one tall, slow striker and one small, fast striker .

Mitrovic is immense in the air and Doumbia’s blistering pace could benefit from the Serb’s flick-ons in behind the opposition’s defence.

This is probably an unlikely option considering Doumbia’s lack of playing time. Either Rafa thinks he isn’t fit enough, or Rafa thinks he isn’t good enough.

Papiss Cisse and Seydou Doumbia

Both of these players will more than likely leave Newcastle in the summer, but they could exit on a high by forming a prolific striking partnership that ultimately keeps United in the league.

Doumbia could ferociously run the channels whilst Cisse looks for space in and around the box.

We may only see this partnership if Mitrovic is injured or suspended, as Benitez seems to like the 21-year-old Serb.

Rafa may not use 4-4-2 at all in the remaining games, but if he does, then he’ll probably have to choose two of Doumbia, Cisse and Mitrovic.

Perez is being deployed out wide and Riviere is looking like more and more of a lost cause.