'Reds are ready to banish Selhurst memories'
Colin Pascoe has spoken of a transformed Liverpool side ahead of the weekend trip to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the scene of the Reds' lowest ebb so far this season.
Rickie Lambert's first goal for the club was overshadowed by a treble of Palace strikes as the rain teemed down in the capital and Liverpool suffered a demoralising 3-1 defeat in November.
At the time, Brendan Rodgers admitted the fourth consecutive loss in all competitions was a low point for him and the players - and one which instigated a rethink in terms of tactical approach and mentality.
In the weeks that followed, the Reds were able to prevent more losses, until they came up against Manchester United at Old Trafford, in a game that was to alter the course of the current campaign for the better.
Despite defeat to the club's arch-rivals, Rodgers was able to implement a revised 3-4-3 system, which has seen the team go from strength to strength during the two months that have followed.
And with a return to Selhurst Park now on the horizon in the FA Cup fifth round, Pascoe is keen for the players to put thoughts of back-to-back frustrations against the Eagles firmly behind them.
"The manager said when we lost to Palace in November that there was a real low in the camp," the assistant boss told reporters at Melwood.
"You look for a reaction to that result. And with tweaking the system a little bit as well, the group of players have responded fantastically - the way they have come back and the way they have played attractive football. It was a great reaction from that day.
"But you're looking forward and being positive. Palace is a tough place to go, we know that. We'll go there positive and looking for the win."
Back in November it was Neil Warnock who steered the Eagles to victory over Liverpool - but on Saturday, the Reds will come up against a side that has been galvanised by the appointment of Alan Pardew.
The former Newcastle boss arrived at Selhurst Park on January 3 and since then Palace have undergone a resurgence of sorts, winning three out of five Barclays Premier League games.
"He's done a fantastic job at Crystal Palace since he's gone in there," said Pascoe. "They've only lost once. He's an excellent manager, he's a hero at Palace and he's galvanised the whole group together and they are in a good moment.
"It's a great atmosphere at Selhurst Park. The last couple of games have been tough down there. If we're not on our game, it will be tough.
"We want to win the FA Cup. We'll go there with a strong side and it will be a tough place to go. As Palace have shown many a time, they are a good side. But we'll look to be positive there and hopefully win."
The Reds will also be aiming to maintain the fact that they are the only unbeaten team in the Premier League since the turn of the year, having claimed four victories and two draws in their six games so far.
"You learn every day in football," said Pascoe. "The lads come in and they train well and they train hard. Even in the small sided games, when the teams are picked, no-one wants to lose and that's what it's all about."