Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk sends message to Erling Haaland before Arsenal opportunity

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is excited about his upcoming showdown with Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

The two Premier League giants will face off at Anfield on Sunday in a huge game, where Van Dijk will try to stop prolific marksman Haaland in a match that will go a long way to determining the destiny of the Premier League title.

Van Dijk is well aware that their one-on-one fight will be important, but it's not just about them. He told the PA news agency: «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. It's always good to come up against one of the best and most in-form strikers in the world.

»He (Haaland) 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."

When asked if Haaland, who has scored for City three times against Liverpool in six appearances, has been tough for him, Van Dijk said: «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 big match on Sunday won't decide the title, a win for Liverpool would put them four points ahead of City with 10 games left. Liverpool have a strong record at Anfield against City, losing only once since 2003 and winning 13 out of the last 20 home games. However, by the time that the match kicks off on Sunday, Arsenal could already be top of the table, with Mikel Arteta's side having the opportunity to go above their title rivals when they play Brentford at home on Saturday evening.

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