The Eagles are reportedly without 12 members of their squad for our London derby at noon on Sunday.
But Hodgson, who managed a handful of our players on the international stage during his time at the helm of England, reckons whoever takes to the field for the home side will have to work extra-hard in a bid to take anything away from the game.
“It was always going to be a very difficult game and I think even if could have had some of the 12 players and added to the ones we have got, which would give us a very good squad, it would still be a very tough game because whichever way you look at it we are a bottom-of-the-table team at the moment and they are chasing, not only Champions League honours, but also second place in the league,” said the experienced manager, who has guided Palace to a home win over Chelsea and a goalless home draw with runaway leaders Manchester City since taking over a few games into the season.