Redknapp targets 20 more points

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp says his side need at least 20 more points in their remaining 12 games to beat the drop.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp says his side need at least 20 more points in their remaining 12 games to beat the drop.

The Loftus Road side are seven points adrift of safety at the foot of the English Premier League, with the first game a home fixture to league leaders Manchester United.

But Redknapp still believes it is possible to avoid relegation despite his side looking set for the drop.

“We need to close the gap,” Redknapp told reporters.

“We need 20 points at least. Whether that would be enough I don’t know but we have to try for that.

“Of course I feel we can do it. If I stop believing everyone does. I still think it is possible with 12 games to go and lots of points to play for, six points can turn everything around so quickly.”

QPR have struggled with injuries this season, particularly up front.

January signing Loic Remy has been out since suffering a groin injury in training earlier in the month and the former Marseille forward could make his return on Saturday, while Redknapp reiterated Bobby Zamora will likely require surgery in the off-season.

Redknapp said: “We have a pretty fit squad. Remy has trained the last couple of days and looks OK.

“We will have to see how he is and whether he can play. He trained yesterday. It is difficult with groins. We don’t want to risk him.

“Bobby might need an operation at the end of the year but the aim is to keep him going for the next 12 games.

“We are hoping we can get more than half a game from him but we will see how we go.”

On Saturday’s opponents, Redknapp admits he would be ‘very surprised’ if Manchester United did not go on to win the Premier League this season with the quality they boast in their squad.

Redknapp said: “I’d be very surprised if they don’t win the league from where they are.

“They have kept winning and other teams have had bad runs. They have been the only team playing with consistency so it has left them in a great position.

“(Wayne) Rooney is a top player, but they are full of top players – that is why they are so far clear.

“They don’t take their eye off the ball too often. They are looking to win the league and they will worry about Real Madrid 10 days after us.

“It is a big game. We had been on a good run. Last week was the first setback after five games unbeaten.”