Everton boss Roberto Martinez has conceded that his team will face a massive challenge to take a positive result from their trip to face Crystal Palace.
The Eagles have been resurgent under new boss Alan Pardew, who has guided the club to back-to-back wins in the Premier League along with two victories in the FA Cup.
Martinez has praised the impact Pardew has had on Palace, and feels that his team will have to be at their best at Selhurst Park.
"I wouldn't say I have been surprised," Martinez told the club's official website. "I think he is a really natural fit for Crystal Palace because he knows the club inside out from his playing days, and I think that makes things a lot easier for him.
"Obviously, the players feel like they can show what they can do, they have got a couple of results and, all of a sudden, the team oozes confidence.
"We all know Crystal Palace had a very strong campaign last season, and then the experience of Alan Pardew is going to be a real strength. I do think they are one of the hardest teams to face away from home."
Everton are 12th in the Premier League ahead of their match against Pardew's men.
Simon Sinclair
