'Conte better than Mourinho'

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew admits Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has better “man-managed” the squad than predecessor Jose Mourinho.

Tomorrow’s clash marks a year since Jose Mourinho was sacked after a disastrous title defence which saw them lose nine of their first 16 league games.

But Pardew has praised Conte for his man-management of the squad in comparison to Mourinho.

“The best thing he’s done is not the system,” Pardew said.

“He’s man-managed those people to perform better.

“Hazard and Costa are a different proposition this year, and they’ll be the first to admit that, Fabregas too. These guys are in top form.

“I think he inherited a good side. Goodfootballers, world-class players and he has got them in a system they are obviously comfortable with and they have just got result after result and momentum is with them.”

Mourinho’s Manchester United defeated Palace in midweek.