Andre Villas-Boas believes good form in November and December will be crucial to Tottenham's hopes of breaking into the top four.
Last season Spurs missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification despite recording their highest ever English Premier League points tally, with Arsenal pipping their north London rivals on the final day.
Key to their impressive return was a run of seven wins in nine matches between November 25 and January 1, and Villas-Boas believes momentum during the winter months will be key again.
"At certain times of the season we have compact fixtures with the top teams again," he told the club's official website.
"So, for example, last season we had Arsenal and then Manchester City, both away, and we have the same this time.
"November and December is when we gathered many points last season and we will look to do the same again. This time we go to Old Trafford on New Year's Day, a huge game."
Tottenham will play 11 matches between November 2 and New Year's Day, including clashes with Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, the latter home and away.
And Villas-Boas insisted he is relishing the challenges ahead, particularly with each of last season's top three appointing new managers in the close season.
"I'm looking forward to next season," he said.
"I think there will be big changes in every team and the managerial changes will see different ways of playing.
"Other teams will look to create strong teams and we will look to do the same, and build a strong, competitive side."
