‘The reality of it is’ – Gary Neville predicts Manchester City vs Liverpool with big Van Dijk claim

Gary Neville has offered his prediction on Manchester City vs Liverpool and believes he can’t help but think of Erling Haaland against Virgil van Dijk.

Haaland has been in sensational form since signing for City in the summer. He is already well into double figures and with Van Dijk far from his best, the Norwegian will fancy his chances of running riot.

However, everyone knows Van Dijk can be immense on his day. And according to Neville, who was on Sky last night, it’s a fascinating battle in what will be an equally fascinating game.

“On City first, I still think that no matter what form Liverpool are in and where they are, that still will feel like the toughest game they’ll face. Their record at Anfield and how difficult it is for every team who goes there,” Neville said on SkySports last night.

“Look, you know what I feel about those two clubs. But the reality of it is you just can’t help but think of Haaland versus Van Dijk, you just can’t. I keep thinking about how that might play out.

“The best centre-back in the world for the last two or three years against this absolute phenomenon and just how that’s going to play out. With a Liverpool backline and how that leaves space behind, I’m fascinated by the game I can’t wait for it to be honest.”

Van Dijk has established himself as one of the top-flight’s finest defenders since joining Liverpool in January 2018.

The Netherlands skipper will be up against the Premier League’s top goalscorer Erling Haaland who has 15 goals in nine league outings for his new side.

Despite Haaland being in the form of his life for the Blues at present, former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater believes that Van Dijk will be hoping to show what he is made of at Anfield.

Speaking on City’s official website matchday coverage, Goater said: “Virgil van Dijk is not quite at his best at the moment but if you love the game, you want to see the two best players facing up to each other. You want to see the great teams facing each other when they’re both in form.

“But I think it’s one of those games where Virgil van Dijk himself, no matter what form he’s in, he wants to be raising his bar back to his best to say: ‘Today Haaland ain’t scoring. City ain’t scoring’. He will be up for that. But at the same time, Haaland will be thinking: ‘It’s about time they know about me, in terms of if they don’t already know, they’re going to know’.

“So I think it’s a beautiful game to be watching and seeing who comes out on top. I think Haaland himself has said that Virgil van Dijk is one of the toughest defenders he’s played against. The two of them will try to get the best of each other.”