Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace must exploit Liverpool's defensive frailties

The Eagles boss says he thinks Liverpool are a top four side but are weak in defence and Palace will look to exploit that.

Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace must exploit Liverpool's defensive frailties
harry-robinson
By Harry Robinson

Alan Pardew says his Crystal Palace side will look to capitalise on Liverpool's defensive errors on Sunday afternoon as they travel to Anfield in the Barclay's Premier League.

The Palace boss said that his opponents this weekend are a 'top four squad' but still have frailties in defence that he will look to exploit.

The Eagles sit in twelfth going into this weekend's round of matches following a 0-0 draw with Liverpool's bitter rivals Manchester United. A win at Anfield would be a huge boost after an October month with three defeats out of five games.

Pardew: Liverpool are top four team

Pardew said, speaking to media on Friday, "I thought that squad [Liverpool's] was a top four squad at the start of the season - and I have not changed my mind."

"We need to try and capitalise on what they [Liverpool] are not good at and defending is an issue that club has had for some time and we aim to exploit that."

While Pardew's side come into this game following eight days of rest, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool played in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night. Jordan Ibe scored a superb goal to give them a 1-0 win against Ruben Kazan and although they traveled with three points, the trip back from Russia is a long one, says Pardew.

"Liverpool had a long trip to Russia on Thursday - we need to put them under pressure on Sunday," the former-Palace midfielder said.

"We've come up against everyone who is in form - Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester. We're in that spell of facing teams with their tails up," he added. Palace have come out of the United and Leicester City games with just one point and failed to score in either tie.

It will be hard to add to that away at Liverpool who have huge energy, belief and enthusiasm under Klopp, as well as a new tactical system.

Pardew: Dealing with Klopp's high press will be difficult

Pardew said: "There's a high press from Liverpool under Klopp. We have to be aware of the threat and try to capitalise on what they're not good at."

After a superb start to the season, Palace have fallen away slightly yet are still just five points off the top four. They'll be hoping to go into the international break in the top ten of the Premier League and need a win to do so.

Following the international break, where England face Spain and France, Palace play the two North-East sides in Sunderland and Newcastle, where they should get all six points.