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Alan Pardew. The Crystal Palace manager giveth, then he taketh away.

Ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Selhurst Park on Saturday, Pardew revealed captain Scott Dann was in contention to return.

The boyhood Liverpool fan was last seen in mid-September, during Palace’s 4-1 home win against Stoke, but has since been missing with a hamstring injury.

His return to fitness will be a concern to those who panic over Liverpool’s capability of defending set-pieces. Dann has scored two goals in five league games this season, after notching five in the last campaign – one of those the winner against the Reds at Anfield in November.

In fact, this season, no player has had more efforts on goal from set-piece situations than Dann. Along with Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse – who takes free-kicks, rather than attacks them with his head – Dann averages 1.8 shots on goal.

That’s ignoring the fact, of course, Dann is one of Palace’s best players, and a leader at the back.

But as important as the centre-back is, Pardew spoke of one potential absentee who could prove to be just as critical to Liverpool’s chances.

Midfielder Jason Puncheon remains doubtful for the home side after missing the defeat to Leicester last weekend.

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Since he returned to the club in 2013, Palace have not won a single league game he has missed.

In the 11 games he has not featured, the Eagles have drawn three and lost eight.

“The only slight doubt this week is Punch from our regular squad but Scott Dann is back in the fold so he will be available for selection,” said Pardew. “It’s good to have our captain available and I am tempted to put him back in as he is our captain but that is a tough decision.”

The Palace boss has also spoken about Liverpool’s title chances, heralding them as challengers and admitting Jurgen Klopp’s have momentum ahead of the game.

“We are both attacking sides so should make for a good game to watch and I wouldn’t think we are looking at a goalless game,” said Pardew. “Last week at the home of the champions we had 23 shots at goal which is some figure but we need to convert them.

“Liverpool have a momentum and an intensity about them, the lack of European football is helping and they are the form team at the moment. From our point of view a difficult game, they have fantastic individuals in there and you have to deal with them.”

“You always have a good barometer once you have seen your side up against the opposition.

“So far Spurs are the best side we have come up against this year and that is all I can talk about really.

“The way the league is panning out and the results Liverpool have had you have got to look at them for sure.”