Brighton striker Glenn Murray admits their FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace is bad timing.
Murray says he and his team-mates are preparing to go to "war" with their fierce Premier League rivals but they would have preferred a less high-profile tie.
"It is a great one for the fans, being our arch rivals in the FA Cup," Murray said. "But probably with the way both clubs are in the Premier League, we could have done without the tie.
"Both sets of fans create a good atmosphere and that is good for us on the pitch, but it was just one of those which could have been a more comfortable afternoon for both clubs. Instead we have got a war again."
On playing against his former club, Murray continued: "If there is ever one thing you learn as a professional footballer, you have a lot of critics and you have the chance to silence your critics.
"But Palace fans have always been good to me. They have welcomed me with open arms and I know for the fans it is hatred but I have fond memories from my time up there."