Virgil van Dijk is refusing to take Manchester City’s malaise for granted.
Liverpool will face off against the reigning Premier League champions on Sunday with the visitors in the midst of an uncharacteristic winless run.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lost their previous three league games in a row and five of their last six in all competitions ahead of the Anfield encounter.
But Van Dijk insists City’s track record of putting together winning stretches means the Reds cannot underestimate them despite downing Real Madrid.
He said: “We are going to be in December on Sunday and there are still five months to go.
“Obviously we want to win the game but we know what they are capable of and first and foremost we have to be ready for that challenge.
“Whatever happens after that, we have to keep going and stay calm.
“Obviously they (City) are not in the best form of their lives, I think injuries play a big part in that.
“We, as a team, have been in a situation like that with loads of injuries and it is never easy to then find consistency and the confidence.
“But I know, like everyone else who understands football and has seen Man City over the last few years, they can turn it around at any moment.
“Hopefully not on Sunday but we have to be at our best to get a result and that’s what we are aiming for.”
Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the summit to 11 points with victory over City, who have won at Anfield just two wins in 26 league visits.
Van Dijk, however, remains cautious about Arne Slot’s side comparing themselves to anyone else in their quest to clinch a first title in five years
“We should not look at anyone but ourselves,” insisted the defender.
“As long as we are consistent, getting points on the board that is all that matters. That is what we are focusing on.
“I want to make sure we as a team are winning games, finding ways to win the game, working our socks off and staying calm.”