Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson has issued a warning to Spurs ahead of their opening game at their new stadium against Crystal Palace tonight (Wednesday).
Spurs will kick-off life in their newly-built £1billion home ground on Wednesday night by hosting the Eagles.
And after defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Dawson believes that it's a game his old side can't afford to lose.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Dawson said: “It’s going to be an amazing night, a special night, but Tottenham can’t just think they’re going to turn up and win.
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“It’s a great night for the Crystal Palace players too. They’re going to be excited about playing at a brand new stadium.
“It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere with a lot of excitement, but they’ve got to realise they can’t just turn up and think it’s going to be a party and enjoy it – they’ve got to go there and perform, because they need the three points badly!”
The loss to Liverpool has seen Spurs move down to fourth place and without a win in five Premier League matches.
Dawson isn't expecting an easy test against Palace as Spurs get to grips with their new home.
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“You thought they were was guaranteed a Champions League place, about six weeks ago they were about ten points clear up there, but after picking up one point from 15, it’s made it really tight,” he added.
“So they don’t have time to find their feet, they have to hit the ground running. It can take time when a club moves to a new stadium, but Spurs don’t have that time.
“If they do, they’re going to be out of the top four and not in the Champions League.
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“But, I’m confident they have enough quality to win tonight and get the three points.”
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