Vieira not expecting Newcastle to be soft nut to crack

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is paying little attention to Newcastle’s position on the log but suspects the visitors will come out smoking for new owners on Saturday.

The 19th-placed Magpies travel to Selhurst Park this weekend to play their second match since Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium completed their takeover of the club.

One of the first decisions made by the new owners was to sack Steve Bruce on Wednesday and, even though they have failed to win after eight league games, Vieira knows Newcastle’s motivation will be high.

He said: “I don’t think there is an easy time to play any team. They will have their problems but at same time when you are in this situation as a player you will want to perform because you want to show you can be part of the new project.

“We will be ready to perform, to work hard and to give ourselves the best shot to take the three points.”

Newcastle, who will be managed by first-team coach Graeme Jones in London, only have three points out of a possible 24 after draws with Southampton, Leeds and Watford.

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Palace have eight points to their name and only one victory under new boss Vieira but optimism is rife at Selhurst Park due to several eye-catching performances.

The Eagles have already taken points off West Ham, Leicester and Arsenal this term and yet their 45-year-old boss is determined to quickly add to their solitary triumph over Tottenham.