Van Dijk: We must be ready for a big fight against the Reds. The only thing we can do is continue to work hard to win.

October 18th: Liverpool central defender and captain Van Dijk recently accepted an exclusive interview with Sky Sports and gave his own views on the weekend's "Double Red Club" in the league.

You have an important game this weekend. Of course, every game in the Premier League is crucial, but the double red meeting is particularly significant. On the training ground, will the staff say to you: "Please win this game?"

Van Dijk: Not really, but everyone knows the importance of this game. The game itself is very important, the format is not important. It will be difficult and both teams are looking to win. I’m looking forward to it, as are the fans, and it’s an honor to be a part of it. You have to enjoy the game, embrace the game, give everything and fight for the team you represent.

For new players, will you tell them "the double red will be crucial, and Anfield will be very shocked by then"?

Van Dijk: Everyone, even the new players, have experienced difficult and intense games. We have preparation meetings today and tomorrow, and you can also feel the atmosphere from previous games. Not much to say, but I'd be happy to help if I could. This is all normal.

Looking at Manchester United's lineup, they have signed a lot of new players, especially on the offensive end. What do you think of them and the threat they pose?

Van Dijk: The new players they signed are of high quality and can pose a threat to any team in the league. They've shown that multiple times this season. The game itself is complex and we have to be ready for all kinds of situations - set pieces, counter-attacks, all kinds of potential situations.

Considering Manchester United's strength, do you think their actual performance is better than their league ranking?

Van Dijk: Sometimes they have shown strong strength, but they also have weaknesses. I hope we can take advantage of them. I've felt for years that we could beat them, but in the past two seasons we've drawn against them twice away from home and been knocked out of the FA Cup. No matter what the situation is, it’s always a difficult game and we have to be ready for a big fight.

Finally, Liverpool and Manchester United both have 20 Premier League championships. How ambitious are you to lead the team to win the 21st Premier League championship?

Van Dijk: To be honest, I wouldn’t look at it that way. I still have two years on my contract with Liverpool and I hope to be at my best, which means trying to win two more Premier League titles. I won the championship last year as captain and experienced this unique feeling, but I also know how difficult it is. The Premier League is very competitive, with many games and high standards required. We are honored to be able to do this, so we will continue to work hard and strive for success. It's the only thing we have control over.