Virgil van Dijk relishing Erling Haaland battle as Liverpool welcome Man City in Premiership title showdown

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

The two football giants will clash at Anfield on Sunday in what's seen as the season's biggest match so far. Van Dijk, known for his strong defence, will face Haaland, who is famous for scoring goals. The former Celtic and Netherlands stopperbelieves their one-on-one duel will be thrilling, but it's not just about them. The whole team's performance will matter. He said: "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 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 has been tricky for him before, Van Dijk admitted, "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."

Liverpool could go four points clear of City with a win on Sunday, but there are still 10 games left to play. The Reds boast a strong record at Anfield against Pep Guardiola's men, having lost only once since 2003 and winning 13 of the last 20 home games. However, Van Dijk confessed we shouldn't read too much into this weekend's game in terms of the destiny of the league title.

He continued: "There's too long to go. Obviously it is a massive game, you can't deny that. There will be a lot of eyes on it but we have one aim and that's to try to win the game.

"We are at home and we are looking forward to the