Why Rafa Benitez 'didn't take too much notice' of Sam Allardyce's mind games

Second-bottom Newcastle United, a point behind Allardyce's Sunderland, take on Alan Pardew's FA Cup finalists at St James's Park tomorrow.

Allardyce yesterday claimed that Palace would be distracted by next month's FA Cup final against Manchester United.

And he said: "Newcastle will win on Saturday – I'd have a bet on that if I could."

Benitez, however, has refused to be drawn into Allardyce's mind games.

United manager said today: "I don’t bet. Obviously, I agree we have to win.

"My experience it's the players who make the difference not the managers.

"I can prepare for the game, but to talk about mind games and Press conferences ... I don't take too much notice.

“My experience is the players make results not the managers.

"I prepare my players before the game. To talk about mind games and press conferences, not too much.

“They are in a better position than us for sure, but if we can win this then we will have more confidence, belief and we can approach that Aston Villa game.

"The main one is this one. I am just looking at this game and see after that."