Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson insists he is not counting on survival for his side until it is ‘mathematically possible’.
Impressive away wins at the likes of Leicester City and Burnley have eased relegation fears at Selhurst Park, with The Eagles now eight points clear of the Premier League drop zone.
Despite their healthy advantage, Hodgson admits he will not relax until Premier League status is mathematically secured.
“I guess when the team third from bottom can’t mathematically reach us. You could bottle that and use it in the coming weeks,” Hodgson said in his pre-match press conference.
“There are very few teams not looking at the three points as the most important thing.
“That’s the beauty of the league and why it is followed all around the world.
“There are no games really where the result is of no importance for either team.”
Palace’s next fixture is a home clash with arch-rivals Brighton on Saturday lunchtime, with just three points separating the sides in the table.
Full-back Pape Souare could feature for the first time since dislocating his shoulder in an FA Cup win over Grimsby two months ago.