Palace boss Dougie Freedman said of his team's progress this season: "I don't think we are quite capable this year of making the top six, but looking back on the season, I think if we finished mid-table it would be a tremendous achievement.
"Last year, we were in a relegation battle, so I think you have to be realistic and remember it is the same team, with a few new additions. I have a great bunch of lads and they all want to push on with this club."
Freedman, however, is far from happy that midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will miss out after picking up an injury on international duty. "KG flew halfway round the world after the West Ham game for a meaningless friendly.
"I'd like an explanation from the people who arranged it, and if they explain that then I'd like them to explain why they shouldn't pay his wages while he is out."
Jason Tindall was on duty for Burnley again this week and he is looking for the Clarets to get the season back on track after a series of disappointing results.
"We will never give up until it's mathematically impossible to achieve a play-off spot," he said. "We will continue to strive to achieve it.
"We believe we can get back our consistent performances and rediscover the form we showed recently that shot us up into touching distance of the play-offs. There's no reason why we can't go on and make the play-offs. That's our aim. That's what we intend to do, try and win every game, starting on Saturday.
"If we can do that and rediscover that form, you never say never and hopefully we can surprise a few people."
He continued: "We have got some good games coming up against some teams in and around that area. They are going to be important games for us and give us an opportunity to claw some points back and get a step closer. That's the aim and hopefully we can achieve that.
"Hopefully we can kick on, starting from Saturday, and if we can have a good final push between now and the end of the season who knows where that could take us this year and hopefully it will also leave us in good stead for next year."