Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis has claimed that his side are not under as much pressure as their rivals in the closing stages of the season.

Pulis, who was handed control at Selhurst Park in November, believes that the team's pre-season tag of favourites to be relegated means that expectations have been low during the campaign.

"It is about everybody holding their nerve," the former Stoke City manager told reporters.

"The great thing with us is the expectations are not as great as maybe at some of the other clubs who have been here for a long period of time.

"Everybody marked us down as favourites to get relegated and favourites to be bottom of the league."

Palace, who take on Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon, are currently 17th in the Premier League.