Patrick Vieira insists his Crystal Palace team are 'far away off from winning trophies' - but admits he will play his 'best team' in FA Cup third-round derby against London rivals Millwall

Daily Mail | January 7, 2022

Patrick Vieira intends to play Crystal Palace's 'best team' at Millwall in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

The Eagles will be missing three key players in Cheikhou Kouyate, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha due to their Africa Cup of Nations commitments, but the Premier League club have no plans to rotate against the Sky Bet Championship outfit.

Vieira won the FA Cup five times as a player and is aware of how important the tournament is to Palace, who finished runners-up in 1990 and 2016.

Patricku00a0Vieira has confirmed he will play his strongest team in their FA Cup tie against Millwall

Patrick Vieira has confirmed he will play his strongest team in their FA Cup tie against Millwall

Wilfried Zaha last played for Palace on Boxing Day but has now left to link up with the Ivory Coast

Cheikhou Kouyate is another player Palace will be without as he plays for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations

Another absentee, Jordan Ayew, will be playing in his third Africa Cup of Nations

Wilfried Zaha (left), Cheikhou Kouyate (centre) and Jordan Ayew (right) will be missing as they take part in the Africa Cup of Nations

'For me, it was always clear to put the best team on the field to compete,' the 45-year-old said.