Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew believes Saturday's opponents Liverpool are genuine title contenders.

"I think Liverpool always have great players in any era. There is a momentum and intensity about them - and no Europe is helping them," he said.

"We have to focus on all the fantastic individuals they have. The way the league is panning out, you have to put Liverpool in contention for the title.

"They play high intensity and they're quick to the ball, and that's driven by the manager, but Brendan Rodgers' team wasn't too dissimilar.

"Liverpool will be looking for consistency now and if you catch them on the wrong day they can be very difficult."