Poyet, 45, has a tough task rejuvenating the Black Cats, who currently prop up the Premier League table with a return of just one point from seven games.
His second game in charge will be a home game against Newcastle and Pardew, who has also endured a bumpy ride in the North East, told Sky Sports that the Uruguayan might be in for a shock.
Alan Pardew: "Gus will find it difficult there.
"The side that he’s managing need a bit of maintenance. They need their confidence building up.
"That first derby will be a shock to him. He might think he’s ready for it but it will be a shock. I thought I was ready for it. He’s a good manager, I like the way he sets his teams up to play football.
"Sunderland will be asked to take risks against us and there’s a big gain in that, but there’s also a big downside and that’s what we want to capitalise on.”