Dowie: Run-in will put squeaky bums on seats

Iain Dowie reckons it is "squeaky bum" time at the foot of the Premiership.

Only four points separate the bottom four teams with 11 games to go and the Crystal Palace manager admits things are getting edgy.

His side are just outside the relegation places, with Manchester United and Chelsea as well as closer rivals still to play.

Dowie said today: "It is probably the squeaky bum stage of the season. Teams are getting nervous and it is a key time. We have got a fantastic series of games. We have talked about what this league means to us and these matches against the top teams are part of that.

"You cannot throw caution to the wind but you have to have a go at them and anything you get is a bonus."

Palace play Birmingham at Selhurst Park on Saturday and Dowie believes it is one of six games which will determine whether they stay up.

The others are at home to Middlesbrough, Norwich and Southampton, and away to Blackburn and Charlton.

Dowie said: "I am looking forward to it. We have still got six games which will decide our season.

"We are in good shape, buoyant and in high spirits."