Van Dijk can't wait for Man City despite facing 'world's best' Haaland and De Bruyne

Liverpool take on the Premier League champions on Sunday in a clash that is far less high-stakes than in recent years.

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The two sides have been setting the standard in England and Europe with some breath-taking encounters over the past five seasons, but defeat would see the Reds 16 points off of their rivals.

Despite a tricky start to the season which sees Liverpool in mid table, Jurgen Klopp's men looked revitalised last time out in a 7-1 Champions League win over Rangers with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah at their best.

And Van Dijk explained what that result has done for his side's mentality, especially seeing their forwards all on form

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"I think it gives a lift," he told the club's website. "The thing is, it doesn't guarantee anything for Sunday but it's much better than losing here, for example, or having a draw here, especially when everyone expects you to win.

"So I think it was a great performance overall under the circumstances. I'm buzzing, you know, I'm buzzing about the result, the performance, especially the second half.

"Now it's time to recover and get ready for a special one on Sunday, where we need each one of us to be at our best.

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Asked about his team's forwards, Van Dijk said: "These guys, they have so much quality, they have been showing it for the last four, five years.

"Obviously the last eight or nine games in - I don't know how many games we're in - things have not been going as great as everyone wants for almost everyone and confidence sometimes dropped down a bit.

"But I think all of us showed the quality we have [against Rangers]. For [Salah] to come on at the right time as well when they have to push a little bit more, the space will be more - it's beneficial for all of us."

Van Dijk holds the Premier League record for consecutive home unbeaten games with 68 at Anfield, but he may have his toughest task yet when Erling Haaland turns up.

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The City machine has 15 league goals already in just nine games and is a frightening prospect for any player in the world, but Van Dijk is excited.

"It sounds cliché but these are the games you want to play," he said.

"You play against the champions, you play against one of the best teams in Europe with probably the most in-form striker, with one of the best midfielders, in my opinion, in the world.

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"So they have a great side, great manager and it's always been tough for both sides - it's not going to be anything different.

"So we should look forward to it. This [win over Rangers] will definitely give a little boost - and it should give a little boost to all of us - that we can be very, very good."