Van revved up for the rest of this season

VVD: WE'VE NOT HIT OUR HIGHEST STANDARDS SO FAR

- BY MICHAEL HAM

LIVERPOOL captain Virgil van Dijk says his side have fallen below their high standards this season - but are doing all they can to put it right.

Arne Slot's men have lost seven times in the Premier League this season, conceding 33 times in 24 games.

To put that into context, during last season's run to the title where they finished 10 points clear of the rest, the Reds lost just four games and conceded 41 times in their 38 games. A horror run from the end of September to the end of November saw them win just three of 12 games in all competitions - and two of those came in Europe.

But the Anfield side have lost just once in the 16 matches since and head into today’s game against title-chasing Man City on a high after beating Newcastle 4-1 last time out.

Defender Van Dijk is aware of what the game means for his side and said: “This is a fixture which needs no introduction and one we are all really looking forward to.

“We have enjoyed some fantastic games against Manchester City down the years and I expect another tough battle as we welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to Anfield.