There is no looking back for Dougie Freedman as he prepares his team for the first derby game of the season on Friday.
 

The Eagles take on Charlton Athletic at the Valley, hoping to build on their first win of the season against Sheffield Wednesday two weeks ago.
 

It is the first derby of the season for Dougie Freedman’s side and fans have almost sold out the away end, with only a few tickets remaining.
 

The Valley has not been a happy hunting ground for the Eagles.
 

Palace were famously relegated from the Premier League there in 2005 and have not won a league game there since 1989.
 

But Freedman is refusing to look back and is concentrating on preparing his team for Friday’s game, which will be shown live on TV.
 

He said: “We are looking forward to the game as it is a good occasion. I have experienced the atmosphere at the Valley many times and it is live on TV so we are definitely looking forward to it.
 

“It will be a challenge, as Charlton have momentum with them from getting promoted. But we are in a good position right now and we are confident we can win the game.
 

“I never look back at the good or bad experiences. From a fans’ point of view they can remember those times, but from a professional point of view we can’t look back.
 

“I am looking at Charlton and I am looking forward to the occasion. We will take the game to them.
 

“If I could wish anything I wish the game was tonight.”
 

Charlton’s manager Chris Powell is a good friend of Freedman’s, and the Palace boss is ready to test himself against the Addicks boss.
 

He said: “I have known Chris a long time. We did our coaching badges together  and we had a really good group there. We had Gary Neville, Gus Poyet and Roberto Di Matteo all there.
 

“Chris had some very good ideas and asked good questions so we struck up a good relationship. He is proving to be a good manager so far and he has done very well at Charlton.
 

“This is a chance to come up against him and see how he works.”
 

Eagles star Peter Ramage also cannot wait for the clash against Charlton and another taste of south London derby action.
 

Ramage said: “I am really excited about the game. It has been a long old two weeks since the win against Sheffield Wednesday.
 

“I just can’t wait to get going again and as it is a derby, there is a little bit more to it.”