Play-off picture becomes clearer

Last updated : 24 April 2006 By Nik Taylor

Palace are guaranteed to be playing the first leg of their play-off semi-final at home, following Saturday's results.

The Eagles took three points off Southampton – but wins for Watford and Leeds, plus a point for Preston, mean Palace can now only finish fifth at best.

Leeds travel to Preston next Saturday for the final game of the season, ensuring the minimum number of points the fourth placed team will end up with is 79 – four more than Palace currently have.

However, although the fixture dates have become a little clearer, we are still no nearer knowing who Palace will face in the semi-final.

All three teams above us have the chance to finish third or fourth, meaning nothing will be decided for sure until the final whistle is blown next Sunday.

Palace's home leg of the play-offs will take place on either Friday 5th May, kick off 7.45pm or on Saturday 6th May, kick off 12.15pm.

The second leg will be played on either Monday 8th May ot Tuesday 9th May – both with 7.45pm kick-offs.