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Cape Town - Crystal Palace feature in somewhat of a surprising top of the table clash when Manchester City travel to London on Saturday.
Second placed Palace's shock 2-1 victory at Chelsea ahead of the international break confirmed the progress the club has made since Alan Pardew took charge last January.
The arrival of France playmaker Yohan Cabaye during the close season has added to the creativity of Pardew's side, while the manager's decision to bolster his squad's forward options has also paid off.
Pardew acknowledges his side's realistic ambitions lie in challenging for a Europa League spot and not in sustaining a place in the top four, but he believes they can cause problems for City.
"The Chelsea result must enhance our confidence. Our work ethic and technical ability has gone hand in hand and that makes for a good team," Pardew said.
"You can have one without the other but our technical ability is now matching our work-rate.
"It makes us difficult opposition and I think for Manchester City I'm sure they'll be approaching this game knowing they're up against a good side."
Palace will be without Joel Ward, the scorer of the winning goal at Chelsea, after the right-back damaged knee ligaments in training.
Connor Wickham is also doubtful but Pardew insists Australia midfielder Mile Jedinak is fit again and in contention, despite almost joining Stoke on transfer deadline day.
"Mile is a massive character and player for this football club," Pardew added.
"There was bid accepted by the board here out of respect really, whether it was right for Mile and that decision to stay was made by Mile and we're happy with that."
Crystal Palace host Manchester City at Selhurst Park. The match kicks off at 16:00.
