Neil Warnock wants his Crystal Palace defenders to show their mettle again when Liverpool come to Selhurst Park this weekend.

Palace have been without a Premier League encounter since the 1-0 reverse at Old Trafford before the international break.

The defeat left the Eagles hovering above the drop zone courtesy of goal difference alone, while Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool sit 11th having failed to repeat the highs of last season thus far.

The Reds’ title challenge was derailed last season when they threw away a 3-0 lead against Palace in one of the most exciting games seen at Selhurst Park for a generation.

But Warnock is hoping Sunday’s televised lunchtime clash will not be a repeat of that goal-fest, at least for Liverpool.

“I watched that 3-3 game again last week and it was amazing,” he said.

“Liverpool could have been 7-0 ahead because Luis Suarez had so many chances.

“It was so exciting and a great game, it’s why we love football.

“Liverpool will be bringing a full squad on Sunday as it looks like Daniel Sturridge is fit to play.

“Our defence will have to put in another convincing display like they did at Manchester United, that is vital.

“But we also need to create a bit more ourselves, it is all about finding that happy medium.

 “We’re not daft. We know we are going to have to play extremely well, but with a fantastic atmosphere behind us, we can give them a game.”

James McArthur and Kevin Doyle returned from international duty early because of injury, and Warnock says Doyle (groin) will not be ready for Sunday.

However, Scottish midfielder McArthur (calf) could be available.

Warnock said: “James is doing some light running but we will have to wait and see how he gets on.

“We have an extra day due to playing on Sunday, so there is every chance he’ll make the squad.”

Warnock is waiting on the return from international duty of Mile Jedinak, Joe Ledley and Yannick Bolasie – who could face Sierra Leone for Congo DR in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier today (Wednesday).

Meanwhile, the Eagles boss is still waiting on Damien Delaney and Joel Ward to sign new contracts – the pair have offers on the table, but are yet to agree terms.

Warnock said: “There is a bit of stalemate at the minute, the offers are there and it is entirely down to them.

“There’s no deadline, they are already tied to the club.

“We just want to give them a longer contract and more money. But it is on hold at the moment.”

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