Palace prepare for Saturday's London derby with Spurs knowing nothing but a win will give them a realistic chance of avoiding a swift return to the Nationwide League.

Last Wednesday's fantastic away victory at Newcastle has given Eagles fans a survival lifeline and a win against Spurs would pull Palace up to within striking distance of the north London giants.

Defeat would leave Palace a full eight points adrift of safety with only seven games to go and one of those games is against title-chasing Manchester United.

Palace's run-in also includes a tough home game against West Ham and a tricky trip to Liverpool.

But their remaining fixtures against Leicester, Derby and Sheffield Wednesday at home and Bolton away are all eminently winnable.

The weekend clash with Spurs - a relegation six pointer if ever there was one - pits the league's worst home record with the team who have lost the most games on their travels.

Tottenham have lost 11 of their 15 away games while Palace have still to win at home at Selhurst.

Tottenham will be without the services of the highly influential but suspended David Ginola while Palace will have the amazing luxury of being able to choose from a strong squad.

Paul Warhurst (pictured left) could return to the bench following his broken leg.

Michele Padovano is in contention for a place in the starting line-up after his substitute appearance at Newcastle and Bruce Dyer is expected to recover from his ankle injury.

Italian trialist Patrice Bilio could also feature while Hermann Hreidarsson and Neil Shipperley are also knocking on the door.

In the hugely talented Matt Jansen, the Eagles are deeply in danger of playing someone capable of scoring goals on a regular basis. He will continue up front so Marcus Bent could be the man to miss out if Lombardo opts for Padovano.

With the loss of Ginola Tottenham may revert to the rigid 4-4-2 formation which disciplinarian coach Christian Gross favours.

Ginola was outstanding during Tottenham's recent 3-3 draw with Liverpool and his absence leaves them lacking creativity in the middle of the park.

But Jurgen Klinsmann seems certain to play. The German, whose goal against Liverpool was only his second since his heroes' welcome back to White Hart Lane before Christmas, seems to be finding form.

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