Newcastle United legend Mick Quinn believes a number of Steve Bruce's players are 'below Premier League class'.
The Magpies are just seven points above the drop zone after Monday's loss to Chelsea.
Asked whether Toon will avoid relegation, Quinn told TalkSPORT: "They're on that slippery rock.
"You look at some of the players: Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight Gayle… Andy Carroll – past his sell by date – Joelinton – couldn't hit a barn door with a pea. These are guys I think fall below Premier League class.
"If you look at some of the games recently; Sheffield United have improved, Fulham have improved – they beat Everton at the weekend. You look at Burnley and they've improved.
"This three or four weeks ago and they're starting to rack up points. They are in a relegation fight.
"They can get out of it because they've got the likes of Allan [Saint-Maximin], Miguel [Almiron] and the kid Joe Willock has done well since he's come to Newcastle – but he needs that service.
"They have got a chance, but to me if they play like that did last night… the first half was just desperate."