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Pardew staying focused for derby clash

Alan Pardew will be going for the win
Alan Pardew will be going for the win

Crystal Palace v Charlton

Charlton manager Alan Pardew promised not to be fooled by mind games played by Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock ahead of tonight's big south London derby at Selhurst Park.

Pardew played in a charity match, refereed by Warnock, at Bromley a week ago when the Palace boss tried to convince him that he would adopt a different formation to face the Addicks.

"I'm not falling for that," said Pardew. "I've known Neil long enough to know what he's about."

But Pardew conceded: "Every game is important, but nothing more so than Crystal Palace for Charlton fans. So it's important we get something from the game.

"After Saturday's disappointment of losing to Sheffield Wednesday, I have a lot to think about regarding team selection for the Palace match.

"There is a lot I can do after Saturday's performance, one being setting the side up differently because it will be a different kind of game. Our emphasis will be to win the game."

Pardew looks almost certain to revert to the 4-5-1 formation which secured a first away win at Doncaster on September 16 but could spring a surprise by recalling Zheng Zhi to the midfield.

"We need him back because he can improve the side and maybe he will be ready to face Palace.

"I didn't include him against Sheffield Wednesday because he wasn't quite right in his own mind about the foot injury which he kept him out."

Linvoy Primus, who played for 68 minutes on his comeback for Charlton against Sheffield Wednesday, looks certain to start tonight.

Last week Pardew ruled him out of Saturday's game because of a niggling knee injury so his return came as a surprise.

Pardew explained: "I had a chat with him on Friday when he felt a lot better so I changed my mind and gave him 68 minutes. Afterwards, he felt no ill-effects so he should be fine to face Palace."

The Addicks have recorded 1-0 wins on their previous two encounters with Palace at Selhurst Park.

Supporters are reminded that tonight's match kicks off at 8pm.

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