Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is taking nothing for granted tonight when the Eagles host Premier League strugglers Sunderland.

The Black Cats, under new manager Sam Allardyce, have won just once this season, and sit just one point above rock bottom Aston Villa.

Their last trip away from home ended in a 6-2 defeat at Everton, and last time out at the Stadium of Light they went down 1-0 to Southampton.

Allardyce took over the reins from Dik Advocaat at the beginning of October, and Pardew reckons he is the perfect fit.

Crystal Palace forward Connor Wickham reveals transfer move to West Ham collapsed while at Sunderland

Man from Welling bailed after arrest for allegedly trying to punch Crystal Palace American bald eagle mascot Kayla

He said: “I never fancy my chances against a Sam Allardyce team, because of his knowledge. They'll give everything they've got to get the victory.

“Sam knows that both those clubs up there are everything to the fans, so he'll be looking to get them up and running.

“He's a great choice for Sunderland.”

Pardew is expecting to have Connor Wickham and Marouane Chamakh back from injury, but Dwight Gayle is still out.

Follow @ylgsport on Twitter