Premier League: Newcastle boss Carver wary of facing Crystal Palace and Pardew

John Carver is all set for a battle of tactics and nerves as his Newcastle team go up against Crystal Palace and Alan Pardew.

Carver's players head for Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening knowing they need to outwit the man who, until a little more than a month ago, was boss at St James' Park.

It will be an emotional night for Carver who has worked so closely with Pardew and he said: "I might have a few surprises up my sleeve. Both he and Ben Stevens, the (former Newcastle) analyst, know us inside-out.

"He does have a bit of an advantage. We can look at how they play, but I know how he thinks. I think I know him inside-out. He'll have a surprise up his sleeve, there'll be something out of the ordinary that he'll throw in during the game. It could be a set-play, it could be anything because he's a bit like that.

Pardew did a good job at the club, but he's moved on now. I don't think he's one of these guys who regrets anything he does

"But in the four or five games I've seen of Palace, I can see his stamp being put on the team, definitely. They've got a good team - they've got a good group of players and because he's a good coach, he's getting the best out of them."

Pardew's decision to leave Newcastle for Palace came as a surprise despite the concerted campaign waged by a section of the Toon Army to force his exit.

However, while Stevens followed the 53-year-old to South London, the remainder of his St James' Park staff did not, and that has presented Carver with an additional challenge.

He added: "He also has (goalkeeping coach) Andy Woodman here, who's his best friend - we're going to ban him from all the team meetings! He'll have enough information on us.

"But at the end of the day, it's all about how we play on the night."

Pardew's run of results since taking over the reins has been spectacular with the Eagles having won five of the six games they have played in all competitions, a run which has helped them to ease themselves six points clear of the drop zone.

Asked if Pardew might one day regret leaving St James', Carver said: "Not at the minute! I don't think anybody who decides to leave a situation has regrets.

"If you decide to move on, it's always what's right in your head. He liked the people, he did a good job at the club, but he's moved on now. I don't think he's one of these guys who regrets anything he does."