Alan Pardew: 'Next three games are crucial for Crystal Palace'

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has admitted that his side's next three matches will be "crucial" for their hopes this season.

The Eagles have lost each of their last five Premier League games to leave them just a point clear of the relegation zone, leading to speculation over Pardew's future.

Palace will face rock-bottom Swansea City - themselves without a win since the opening day - on Saturday before subsequent matches against Southampton and fellow strugglers Hull City.

"The points total we get in those games is crucial for shaping our season. We still think we can get a high finish, we need to get points. I think it is important to know that every game for us is a game that we try to win," he told reporters.

"Our psychology is to go out and attack teams but we need to get points on the board and so do Swansea. For both teams it is a crucial game and we cannot hide from that fact. It is a big game. Swansea are difficult to assess at the moment.

"They made 10 changes last week and got a good result at Everton (1-1 draw at Goodison Park), so I am a little bit confused as to what team they will put out. The pressure is going to be on them to get a result, particularly with the form we are in at the moment so it is going to be an interesting game."

Palace will face the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal during the festive period.