Rodgers confident Reds will respond
Brendan Rodgers is confident his Liverpool players will show their mettle and bounce back from last weekend's Chelsea defeat by returning to their brilliant best against Crystal Place.
The Reds' 11-match winning streak was ended by the Londoners on Sunday, who recorded a 2-0 victory at Anfield - a result the manager concedes 'hurt'.
However, Rodgers insists the mentality within the camp has meant that he hasn't had to do much to raise spirits once more - and he's convinced Liverpool will be ready to go again at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "Of course the Chelsea game was a big disappointment. There were a couple of days of grieving after losing such a game. It's one where you have to get it out of your system.
"But I've reminded the players what champions do and what top professionals to. When they have a setback, they pick themselves up and they go again.
"It hasn't been a challenge for me to pick everyone up. The beauty of this group of players is their mentality and attitude.
"I told them that however much that defeat hurt, it hurt because it mattered. It hurt because we were in such a good position.
"With a couple of games to go we are still top of the league. We're two points clear with two games to go. That's what we reminded the players about.
"We never dwell too much on the disappointments. We refocus on the next challenge."
Before the trip to Selhurst Park, Liverpool's top-of-the-table rivals are both in action, with Manchester City tackling Everton at Goodison Park and Chelsea hosting Norwich City.
"I still think there are things that will happen," predicted Rodgers. "Manchester City have got three games to play in a week and that isn't easy, especially in the last week of the season.
"They have a huge game against Everton. That will be a tough one for City.
"But for us, our concentration is on ourselves. All we can do is win our final two games. If we can do that and get to 86 points then that will put us in a strong position. Then we will see where it takes us.
"I am very proud of what this team has achieved this season and there is still a bit to go in this title race."
City are currently Liverpool's main rivals for a first-place finish. They sit three points behind, but with a game in hand and a better goal difference.
Mauricio Pellegrini's side will face a test of their credentials against Everton and Rodgers believes the Blues will be out to get three points to aid their own charge for Champions League qualification.
"Make no mistake, Everton are a terrific football club in their own right," he said.
"They are one of the big clubs in British football. They have their own pride and their own reasons why they want to win the game.
"They have done really well this year and are still vying for that Champions League place. They have been very strong at home and they have some outstanding players.
"Manchester City have found it difficult going to Goodison in recent years. It certainly won't be because of Liverpool that Everton are pushing for the win, it will be for themselves.
"Of course whenever it's out of your hands you hope that other teams can do you a favour but you can only really control your own destiny. That means looking to our next game and winning against Crystal Palace."