Source: SKY_Sports
Hughton - Home games crucial
Chris Hughton admits that Newcastle's final two home games of the season could decide their fate.[LNB] The Magpies currently occupy a place inside the Premier League relegation zone, three points from safety with four games remaining.[LNB]They know what is required of them in order to avoid the drop, but are running out of time in which to accrue the required points total.[LNB]That means that a derby date with Middlesbrough on 11th May and another home clash with European-chasing Fulham five days later have now taken on added importance.[LNB]"We are in a position now where we have to look after our own business and get the points we need, but we also have to be mindful of other results and hope other results go our way," Hughton, Newcastle's assistant manager, told Sky Sports News.[LNB]"The next two home games are going to be massive for us."[LNB]Before attentions can turn to a Tyne-Tees meeting with Boro, though, Newcastle must first negotiate a tricky trip to Liverpool this Sunday.[LNB]Resilience"I think they will certainly be looking to get the win and there probably aren't too many people who expect us to go there and get something," added Hughton.[LNB]"We have got to show the resilience Portsmouth showed last night (during a 0-0 draw at St James' Park on Monday) and take our opportunities. [LNB]"What we can't afford to do is go anywhere in these last four games and be negative about our play. We will certainly be looking to get something from the game there."[LNB]Hughton also believes that the Magpies' misfiring strike force will come good over the course of the next few weeks, insisting Michael Owen and co. are more than capable of leading the club to safety.[LNB]"They can do. I think with Alan (Shearer) as manager he is very aware of the barren spells that strikers can go through," he said.[LNB]"But we are where we are and when you are in the position we are you know you are going to get criticism from some quarters. [LNB]"It's only ourselves that can get us out of the trouble that we are in. Of course the strikers will play a big part in that."[LNB]
