CREWE boss Dario Gradi wants an unbeaten end to the season as the Alex look to retain their First Division status in style.

Five points clear of the drop with three to play, Crewe will look to start that task with in-form Crystal Palace the visitors on Saturday, followed by a daunting trip to Sunderland and a final home game against championship-chasing Norwich City.

It's a tall order in a tough run-in but Gradi believes it's the way to set up a struggle-free season next time around.

"We want to be aiming to end the season with a good run," he explained.

"If we can win the two home games and get a draw, it would really set us up for next season.

"If we lose all three, we're likely to be in the relegation zone next year, assuming we stay up this time."

Any result on Saturday should just about wrap it up but Gradi isn't complacent yet.

"The facts are we don't have enough points to be absolutely sure," he said.

"This weekend represents the best chance of getting them.

"Palace are on a good run at the moment but not anymore than the other two teams we still have to play.

"Iain Dowie has done an excellent job with not outstanding players though they're still decent.

"We beat them there but they had a lot of the play and we scored on the breaks."

Dave Brammer and David Vaughan picked up knocks in the 1-1 draw at Reading but both should be fit to take on the Eagles.

After making four changes in successive games, Gradi is unlikely to prove the 'Tinkerman' again for this one.

"I made that decision to rest Dean and Jonah at different times and both worked out well for me," he continued.

"That's the only tinkering I've done.

"I think the team picks itself at the moment and there's not much I could do to improve it.

"Bramms is my most influential player and I reckon he gets more touches than anyone else.

"He's my Neil Lennon and goes out to win the ball.

"He's also a good skipper on and off the pitch and on that basis he's picked.

"Kenny's a bit of a general too and he's good on the tactics and good at set plays which makes it hard to leave him out.

"That leaves Justin or Sorvel and Sorvs is very dependable and rarely loses his man.

"It's hard to leave him out at the moment with Justin still learning."

Out-of contract in the summer, Chris McCready is also likely to keep his place ahead of 17-year-old star Billy Jones.

"I've got to sort out if Chris can last the games," added Gradi.

"He's not got a good record at playing games through injuries and it makes it difficult to know what sort of contract to offer him."

"He's well aware it's an important time though he's also well aware that we would not just abandon him if he gets injured again.

"We always try to look after our players, particularly the home grown ones."

Craig Hignett and Michael Symes will be part of the run-in with their loans extended until the end of the season.