Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has previewed his team’s upcoming visit to N5 to face Arsenal.
The Gunners will be desperate to get the better of their Premier League rivals at a crucial time in the title race.
While Liverpool and Arsenal aren’t title rivals this season, Mikel Arteta’s side have a job to do, currently sitting six points clear at the summit.
Though Arsenal’s only focus will be three points, Arne Slot’s squad won’t make it easy; however, the visitors already understand that one wrong move in their preparations could be fatal.
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Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool must look forward to facing Arsenal
Virgil van Dijk spoke about Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates in an interview posted by Liverpool’s official website.
He’s not the only one to begin to preview the match, as Curtis Jones is already anticipating revenge from Arsenal.
Van Dijk’s message was clear after the Reds’ draw against Fulham: be ready to enjoy the ‘big fight’ in N5.
“From Tuesday on, we will definitely look at the strength that they have. They have a fantastic squad with players on the pitch and also coming from the bench.
“We all know at home they are unbeaten this season, I think, in all competitions. So it is a nice challenge, and we should be ready for a big fight.”
After seeing Liverpool’s set-piece record, I’m __% confident Arsenal will beat Arne Slot’s side.
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The Liverpool captain went further with his preview, motivating his teammates to get excited for the fixture, because if they don’t, the idea of getting a result is difficult to imagine.
“I’m really looking forward to it, and I think everyone should. That is the only way to try to get a result over there,” Van Dijk said.
“There is no reason to not look forward to it, in my opinion. Another opportunity, but first recover and then we’ll focus on that.”
Van Dijk’s comments about Arsenal last season seem crazy now
The Arsenal squad won’t need any motivation to step up with so much on the line, one thing being revenge.
On top of the title race pressures, Van Dijk’s comment after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last season will be another source of motivation.
Last season, the Dutchman walked away from scoring at the Emirates to say that scoring his goal was simpler than anticipated.
Van Dijk suggested that Arsenal’s defending made things easy, something that is difficult to envisage being the case now.
“When I was marked, I think he only looked at me, so it was quite easy to get from him. But anyway, it’s a little bit of luck that you need,” Van Dijk said.
Matchday 21 is set up to be a blockbuster in North London, a game that both sides are desperate to emerge victorious from.
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