Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is relishing the chance to go head-to-head with Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland
The Reds entertain Man City at Anfield on Sunday knowing victory will hand send them four points clear of their title rivals, with one key match-up being the contest between Van Dijk and 18-goal Haaland.
Both players are currently in peak form and their duel will be a game within the game but the Dutchman knows it will not just be the result of their individual battle which will determine the outcome.
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"It's obviously going to be a massive game for both sides and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of facing the treble winners," he told the PA news agency.
"It's always good to come up against one of the best and most in-form strikers in the world.
"He is a natural goalscorer, he has proven it and his numbers are speaking for themselves so it will be a tough afternoon but it's a battle I am looking forward to."
Asked if Haaland, who has scored three times in six appearances for City against Liverpool well down on his average of almost a goal a game has caused him problems in the past Van Dijk added: "Of course.
"I've caused him problems, he's caused me problems that's how it works. These battles are always tough.
"But like I said I think he is looking forward to it and I'm looking forward to it."
While the title race is a long way from being decided on Sunday a win for Liverpool would put them four points ahead of City with 10 matches remaining.
Liverpool's record at Anfield against them is good as they have lost just once two years
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