Redknapp eyes crucial away points

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has warned his players that they will fall out of the title race unless they start picking up vital away points.

Tottenham are just eight points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United and are on course to finish in the top four for a second consecutive season.

But much of their good work has been done at White Hart Lane, where they have not lost since August.

And with six of his side’s next seven games coming away from north London, Redknapp knows the importance of taking that home form onto the road.

“We have to hang in there now with these away games,” Redknapp said ahead of his side’s trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

“We need to pick up points away from home or we will find ourselves dropping off the pack. If we can get through the away games we’ve got a good chance.”

“There are no easy games though. Wherever you go whether it’s Newcastle or Blackburn they’re all tough. You have to go away from home and make sure you play well and pick up a positive result.”

“Newcastle are doing well, Alan Pardew has picked them up again. Chris Hughton did a good job and Alan has got them going.”

“They’ve got some competitors there – a few players who know how to win.”

New signing Stephen Pienaar will go straight into the squad for the match, having signed from Everton during the week.

And with left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto struggling with a knee injury, the South African midfielder could start on the left of midfield, with Gareth Bale dropping into defence.

Central midfielder Wilson Palacios is also doubtful after picking up a knee injury in training.