Crystal Palace boss not dismissing the challenge posed by Stoke City

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has made it clear that he is not underestimating the challenge that Stoke City will pose in tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth round tie at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles were finalists in 2016 – losing in extra-time to Manchester United – and will be favourites on Tuesday night as they host Championship opposition.

But Vieira, when asked if it was a big chance for his side to go on and lift silverware in his first season at the helm, said: “There is still a long way but the tie is at home and that is massively important.

“Regarding the team that we are going to face being in the Premier League or Championship, the difficulty and challenge is going to be there. There is no easy game in the cup, we need to be ready mentally and approach it with the intensity and competitiveness we did in the Premier League. There is no difference in preparation or in the starting 11 that I will put on the field tomorrow.

“It’s a competition we want to do well and go as far as we can, we have a home tie and it’s an advantage we have to use. We want to go to the next round and I will try to put on the field the best 11 that will allow us to go to the next round.

“Looking at their squad and their 11 they have players with experience who did well in the Premier League, they know how to play these games. We have to be our best, focus and concentrate to win.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD