Liverpool will host Manchester City at Anfield in the latest round of the Premier League. Dutch star Virgil van Dijk stated that the team's primary task is to maintain their strong and consistent performance, and he is very much looking forward to playing against Pep Guardiola's team.

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United in their last league match, thanks to a brace from Ekittick and goals from Wirtz and Konaté. With these crucial three points, Liverpool currently sit 6th in the table with 39 points, still in contention for Champions League qualification.

In Manchester, Guardiola's team is second in the standings with 47 points, having drawn 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur in their last match. In head-to-head records, Liverpool have a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 encounters with Manchester City.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said, "This is a game that needs no introduction, and it's a match we've all been looking forward to. We've played many great games against Manchester City over the years. I expect it to be a tough contest against Guardiola's team at Anfield this time as well."

“I’ve talked a lot about the importance of consistency this season, and I want to emphasize it again. After the great performances and results against Qarabag and Newcastle last week, we must keep it up. We have to admit that there have been times this season when we haven’t met the standards we should have, or the standards we set for ourselves.”

It's worth mentioning that Konaté, who had missed the game due to his father's passing, scored a goal in the match against Newcastle after returning to the pitch, marking his first league goal of the season.

Van Dijk pointed out, "There are still many games to play this season, and we all hope to achieve as much success as possible. We are a team, and I would also like to specifically mention Konaté. The fact that he was able to perform like that against Newcastle despite going through personal difficulties fully demonstrates his character, personality, and strength."

“Konaté is eager to come back and help the team, and you can see from all the players’ reactions how much we love and cherish him. He is our brother, and we will always support him, just as he has always supported us.”

In addition, Van Dijk stated, "We must learn from the positives of our last two matches and build on that foundation. As always, hard work will be the foundation of everything. We know the strength Manchester City possesses, and we know that given their current goals, they will be highly motivated for this match."

"We must maintain our intensity both in possession and off the ball, and be fully focused and give our all from the very start of the game. If we can do that, then hopefully our strength will be reflected in creating chances and scoring goals."

Image source: Internet