Alan Pardew believes Crystal Palace are ready to fight for Premier League survival ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leicester City.
The Eagles sit 13th in the table, just six points ahead of bottom side Leicester City with 15 games left to play.
Palace have won four of their past five games in all competitions, coinciding with Pardew’s arrival at Selhurst Park.
However, with a large chunk of the season still to be played, the former Newcastle United boss is refusing to get carried away.
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“Every game between now and the end of the season will be very competitive and we know we have a very big battle on our hands,” Pardew said.
“Leicester are a tough team and all the teams at the bottom are starting to see the finish line so it will be a difficult match.
“It’s a critical game for us, three points would put more distance between us and Leicester and that is important.”
Mile Jedinak will not travel with the squad after sustaining an ankle injury during Australia’s triumphant Asian Cup campaign.
Unavailable: Mile Jedinak, scoring against the Foxes earlier this season, will not travel with the squad this weekend after returning from the Asian Cup with an ankle injury
Palace have also been affected by the departure of Yanick Bolasie for the African Cup of Nations, but Pardew believes mid-season tournaments are an unavoidable aspect of modern football.
“Mid-season tournaments are an inconvenience, but it is part of the game and we have to deal with it. It affects a lot of teams in the league,” said Pardew.
“Jedinak returned with a very sore ankle, but you also have to balance that with the fact he won a trophy with his country which is good for him.”
Despite Wednesday’s eagerly anticipated match against his former club, Newcastle United, Pardew’s focus remains on Leicester.
He said: “The Newcastle game is not really bothering me.
“Our focus is completely on making sure we prepare ourselves for a difficult game on Saturday.”
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