Alan Pardew believes Crystal Palace's lack of European football combined with their elimination from the League Cup will work in favour of the club's Premier League ambitions this season.

Pardew revealed he has been able to focus all of his side's attention on their weekly league fixtures, without the stresses of additional competitive matches complicating their preparation.

"The last two games we've defended brilliantly and it has got us four massive points against two big clubs," Pardew said.

"We have no complications, no Europa League, no League Cup, so the Premier League is right at the top of our agenda. That helps us because all these big clubs have Europe to contend with."