ROY Hodgson is readying his Crystal Palace side for the particular type of test Burnley will pose at Turf Moor tomorrow.

The former England boss brings the Eagles to East Lancashire looking for a first Premier League win since October 5, a run that has seen them slip from sixth to 13th.

Sean Dyche's side, on the other hand, are three points ahead of Palace and have triumphed 3-0 in their last two games.

Hodgson added: "We have every respect for them.

“We know they are a difficult nut to crack at all times and we have to be ready for the type of game it will be."

This is the start of a busy schedule for all teams in the Premier League and Palace will play seven times between now and the end of the year.

It means Hodgson will have to consider rotation during a hectic period of the season.

"It's a time when your squad is really tested," said the former Blackburn Rovers boss.

"You really need everybody in good form, physical condition and in good mental condition.

"It's unrealistic to expect 11 players to carry out every 90 minutes you're going to play, so it's important everyone's ready."

The Palace boss confirmed he would be without Joel Ward for the trip to Turf Moor after the defender suffered a serious knee injury in the defeat to Liverpool last weekend.