Programme notesVirgil van Dijk: There's no illusions, we have to build on unbeaten run

Burnley visit Anfield in the Premier League and the Reds will be seeking a second home win of the week after seeing off Barnsley in the Emirates FA Cup.

That 4-1 victory on Monday night maintained a streak without a loss that goes back to late November, but Van Dijk has stressed the need for greater consistency of performance.

The captain writes in the matchday programme for the clash with the Clarets: "Momentum is a big thing in football, and it is important that we continue to build on our recent results when we take on Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

"To be 11 games unbeaten in all competitions, especially given where we were at a couple of months ago, we have to take as a positive, and there have definitely been signs that we are moving in the right direction in terms of our performance levels.

"But nobody here is under any illusions. Even during this run, we have seen the areas we need to improve going forward. We have conceded late goals, we have allowed teams back into games when we should have taken control, and we have not always managed to maintain our levels for 90+ minutes.

"We are honest enough to admit that, but we are also aware just how difficult each game is, and how hard we have to work for each victory, whether that is in the Premier League, Champions League or, as we saw on Monday night, the domestic cups.

"Barnsley showed, as so many others have previously, just why the FA Cup is such a special competition. They came to Anfield and they showed no fear. They competed for everything, their fans were exceptional, and they made it difficult for us at times. They deserve a lot of credit for the way they performed on the night.

"For us, it was about maintaining this momentum and making sure we were in the fourth-round draw. It wasn't a perfect performance, by any stretch, but we scored four fantastic goals and we will be at home again in the next round, albeit against a very tough opponent in Brighton & Hove Albion.

"On Saturday, we want to take another step forward against a side that is fighting for its Premier League life in Burnley.

"We know how difficult this game will be. We may have beaten them earlier in the season, but we needed a very late penalty in order to get that victory. They defended very well on the day, and made us work extremely hard. We are expecting a similar test on Saturday.

"For us it's about doing the right things, from the first minute to the last. It's about working hard, defending as a team, staying patient, making good decisions and using our quality to create opportunities.

"We are playing at home, and that always brings with it certain expectations. I can assure you that we will do everything we can to give you guys plenty to get behind."

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