• Premier League

Pulis: I'll field strongest side against Liverpool

Tony Pulis has promised he will play his strongest possible Crystal Palace team against Liverpool to protect the integrity of the Premier League.

With Palace's top-flight status secure, Pulis had intended to give some of his fringe squad players as well as some youngsters a chance to show what they can do against the league leaders.

But Manchester City's 2-0 win at Palace, on the back of Chelsea's 2-0 win at Anfield, has blown the title race wide open, with Pulis feeling he has a duty to play his best XI on May 5.

Pulis quipped, though, that he might have to seek Jose Mourinho's advice after he heavily rotated his side for the win against Liverpool, something the Chelsea manager was criticised for before the match.

"I think it's my responsibility to pick the strongest team, and the team that's done the best," said Pulis.

"If I make too many changes for the Liverpool game I think that might cause some problems.

"Having said that I see Jose made a lot of changes and won at Liverpool, so maybe I'll ring him and ask him 'what's the best way to go?'"

Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure ensured City are now in pole position in the title race, moving three points behind Liverpool but with a game in hand and a vastly superior goal difference.

The result ended a five-game winning streak for Pulis, who now wants to end the season as strongly as possible.

"It's difficult, I've been in this position before once you reach safety," said Pulis.

"They've been absolutely fantastic this year, what the club have achieved this year, what the players have done for this football club, what the supporters, who again were absolutely wonderful, what they've done together as a group has been amazing.

"Our players shouldn't worry too much about a 2-0 defeat to the most expensive club side in world sport.

"That said, there's another game against a fantastic football club coming up, a night game where there will be a great atmosphere here.

"And I just hope the players are on it and we give a real good show."

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