The Reds entertain their rivals - who are on a horror run of six matches without a win - at Anfield on Sunday (01.12.24) but the defender knows that City are capable of turning the situation around and chasing down the eight-point advantage Liverpool have built at the top of the league.

Van Dijk said: "I know, like everyone else who understands football and has seen Man City over the last few years, they can turn it around at any moment.

"Hopefully not on Sunday but we have to be at our best to get a result and that’s what we are aiming for.

"We want to win the game but we know what they are capable of and first and foremost we have to be ready for that challenge and whatever happens after that we have to keep going and stay calm.

"For a reason they won (the title) four times in a row. We have to be ready for a very difficult one at the weekend and we will be."

Van Dijk has been a key figure in Liverpool's superb start to the season and is desperate for the team to keep on winning to maintain their advantage in the title race.

The Dutch international said: "We should not look at anyone but ourselves.

"As long as we are consistent, getting points on the board is all that matters. That is what we are focusing on.

"I want to make sure we as a team are winning games, finding ways to win the game, working our socks off and staying calm."