STEPHEN Dobbie believes Palace will be in the play-offs at the very least by May.
"At this time of the year you've got to put a run together," he said.
"Luckily in my time at Blackpool and Swansea we did that, but the chance for automatic promotion is fantastic so we'll be looking to push on.
"I can see similarities to this team and Blackpool.
"It's the same kind of system under the gaffer and that's not changed in the three seasons I've worked with him.
"When you go to the play-offs it's kind of a lottery, so if we can get automatic that would be great. If it doesn't work out, I'm sure we'll be in the play-offs.
"The gaffer is great fun but he knows his football.
"To work under him every day, you never know what's going to happen."
Meanwhile, he said that the return of central midfielder Mile Jedinak helped Palace in the win against Middlesbrough last weekend.
"With Mile back, he strengthened the midfield and it let Wilfried Zaha and Jonny Williams go and do what they want," he said. "They know they've got strength behind them. Since I've been here, Wilf's been fantastic."
