Sam Allardyce 'dreads to think' what will happen to the Crystal Palace squad if they are relegated

Sam Allardyce says he "dreads to think" what will happen to the Crystal Palace squad if they are relegated and has targeted 38 points to secure survival.

The Palace boss was answering a question about Steve Mandanda's future at his news conference ahead of the visit of Watford to Selhurst Park on Saturday after the goalkeeper denied he is set to leave the club.

"I think he's [Mandanda] cleared it up. I don't know who will be here based on the position we are in," Allardyce said.

"Securing our position in the Premier League will mean the majority of players will still be here. I dread to think what will happen if we don't secure our status.

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"Thirty-eight [points] for me. It used to be the magic 40 but the last few years 38 has been enough. But you've got to try and win more than that, you can't just strive for 38. The quicker you accumulate the points the quicker you relieve the pressure."

Allardyce has praised the impact of Mamadou Sakho at Palace, along with fellow January signings Luka Milivojevic and Patrick van Aanholt, in helping to shore up the side defensively.

However, he admits discussions about extending Sakho's loan deal from Liverpool will depend on their Premier League status beyond this season.

"That would be a big negotiation if we're still in the Premier League at the end of the season," he said. "At this moment in time he chose Crystal Palace to play first-team football. I think he's settled into the environment exceptionally well.

"He's worked extremely hard at getting himself fitter because having not played consecutive games all season you lose fitness. He's shown what a good defender he is, but not just a good defender but also his capabilities on the ball.

"In possession he has been exceptionally good. In terms of us keeping possession and putting the ball in the right areas, allowing the attacking players to play."

Allardyce confirmed that Van Aanholt will miss the game on Saturday through injury but said he hoped he would be back after the international break.

"From last time we played, Patrick van Aanholt is our only injury, with his ankle. He's moving forward quite quickly. Only Patrick is missing from the team that played West Brom," he said. "Loic Remy is not fit yet, he is training, and due to join up with the full squad in the international break."

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