Liverpool news as Virgil van Dijk issues plea and Gary Neville prediction

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admits the Reds need "something special" against PSG in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg, while Gary Neville predicts a top-five Premier League finish

Virgil van Dijk will lead Liverpool out on Tuesday(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool faces Paris Saint-Germain, knowing this pivotal clash is its final chance to win a trophy this season.

Arne Slot's players have consistently disappointed throughout the campaign, dropping out of the title race early and exiting both the FA Cup and the League Cup. The task ahead is far from straightforward. Luis Enrique's players hold a 2-0 lead after comprehensively outplaying the Reds in Paris last week, and are the reigning European champions.

While the Reds are buoyed following their victory over Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, their Champions League quarterfinal second leg presents an entirely different proposition. Without further ado, here's the latest news from Anfield...

Van Dijk's admission

Virgil van Dijk has conceded that the Reds must produce something extraordinary against PSG or face an early exit from this season's Champions League.

The center-back has also called upon the famous Anfield atmosphere to inspire his side in overturning a formidable 2-0 deficit.

"We need something very special to happen otherwise we will have no chance," the Liverpool captain said. "If we play like we did in Paris then we will have no chance anyway, in my opinion.

Van Dijk is hoping Liverpool can complete a famous comeback(Image: Getty Images)

"The fans will probably be the most important factor, together with our performance. I've been very lucky to experience those nights where the connection between the fans and the performance has been unbelievable.

"There is an opportunity on Tuesday to come up with a good game plan and fight for it for 90-plus minutes. I am really looking forward to it. It's a privilege to be in the quarter-finals regardless. We shouldn't take that for granted. We have to remember we are Liverpool. We have to make it a memorable night."

Champions League prediction

Former United skipper Gary Neville has thrown his weight behind Arne Slot's squad to get the job done and secure a place in next season's Champions League by finishing in the top five of the Premier League at the end of the campaign.

The Reds have endured a torrid defence of their Premier League crown this term, suffering 10 defeats. Their prospects of featuring in next season's Champions League received a significant boost following last week's confirmation that the Premier League has been guaranteed a fifth qualification spot.

They also aided their own cause with a 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, collecting three points through goals from Rio Ngumoha and Mohamed Salah to sit fifth, four points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.

Speaking on his podcast, Neville said: "I think (Chelsea is) going to have a difficult end to the season, and it feels to me now like Chelsea will miss out on Champions League football.

"And a few weeks ago, I think they were in a spot whereby I thought Villa were in freefall and that Chelsea, Liverpool and United would get that third, fourth, fifth spot.

"I actually think now that Chelsea are going to miss out because of what's happened in this last few weeks and where they're at."