Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce believes Charlton Athletic will escape relegation with Alan Pardew at the helm.
Pardew is making his mark at the Valley and dragging the club closer to safety after leaving West Ham.
Pearce pits his tactical wits against the Addicks boss tomorrow - and has a lot of respect for the man in the opposing dugout.
He said: 'Alan is a good manager and has given Charlton a big lift. He has been a good appointment. I honestly believe they won't be in the bottom three come the end of the season.
'I was very surprised West Ham changed managers when they did. It is probably the best squad they've had for a number of years.'
Darren Bent downed City the last time the clubs met and he is key to Charlton's success, according to Pearce.
Bent has scored 11 league goals and Pearce said: 'They have a lad up front, who is worth a few bob, who can put the ball in the net.
'If you take his goals out of the equation, they would have a big problem. He plays a major part in giving them confidence to get their nose in front in matches.'
Pearce again looks likely to be without Micah Richards against Charlton as the England defender recovers from an ankle injury. Midfielder Dietmar Hamann is doubtful after suffering a similar problem in Saturday's victory at Newcastle.
Belgium striker Emile Mpneza scored the winner in that match after netting his first goal in English football in the defeat of Middlesbrough two weeks earlier.
The 28-year-old has adapted quickly to life in England after a spell in Qatar and now has a chance in the remaining weeks of the season to secure a long-term deal.
Pearce said: 'If we feel as though he has done well enough for us, I will have a chat with him and his representatives. Emile is still of an age where his best years might be in front of him.
'We have given him a great opportunity to show what he can do in what is the best league in the world. He has fitted in quite well and got us a couple of goals. Emile has a good scoring record for the clubs he has played for and his country.'
