CRYSTAL Palace midfielder James McArthur believes tonight's clash with Newcastle United will be a "heated affair" as Alan Pardew comes up against his former club.
The boss quit Tyneside after four years to take up the hotseat at Selhurst Park at the star of the year and has guided Palace to five wins out of six in all competitions so far.
McArthur believes Palace will have the upper hand with Pardew's knowledge of the Toon and says the Eagles will be gunning for all three points to go within a point of the Magpies.
"We will be confident. It's going to be a heated affair but we know it's going to be a tough test as Newcastle are top quality," said McArthur.
"We've got a performance level up at the moment and hopefully we can get another victory.
"Hopefully it helps that the gaffer knows Newcastle. It will be an extra special occasion for him and we'll try to get him a win.
"We want to win every single match, no matter who you're playing against whether it's top or bottom or you're rivals, you want to do whatever you can do to win that match.
"I think it's important you approach every match the same."
By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)
