‘I’m not worried at all’ – Palace boss Vieira on why Brighton possession stats will not be an issue

An added-time equaliser by Seagulls forward Neal Maupay in the last clash between the two sides in September cancelled out a Wilfried Zaha opener.

Despite Brighton registering 25 shots at goal and Palace only having two touches in the opposition box, the South Londoners left the Amex victorious last season thanks to a volley in the 95th minute from Christian Benteke securing a 2-1 win.

Speaking on how his squad will remain calm should Brighton enjoy the lion’s share of possession on Friday night, Vieira said: “I don’t think we will panic because we played at Liverpool and City, and we know what to expect going there.

“Is it going to be challenging? Yes, but we have the argument to ask them questions as well.

“I’m not worried at all about the way we are going to be as a team. Those players who have the experience need to guide those young ones, and they have been doing that really well.

“As a team, I am not worried about how we will perform.

“The details will be really important because in a derby and in games with tension such as this, the focus will be on the details, and we have to be focusing on the details.

“We will have to play well as a team in possession and out of possession.”