Premier League news: Van Dijk backed to win award and Chelsea face Zidane battle

Robertson: Van Dijk should win award

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson believes his team-mate Virgil van Dijk should be named this season’s PFA Player of the Year.

Sky Sports reports that the talented Dutch central defender is the bookies’ favourite for the award and Scotland international Robertson agrees.

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Speaking after the 5-0 win against Watford, a game in which Van Dijk scored twice, Robertson said: “If the season ended tonight, I would give him it personally.

“There’s still ten games to go and somebody can step up from another team but Virgil can take it to a whole new level.

“The attacking players are usually in the running because they take all the goals and the headlines but this season Virgil has been fantastic and he’s getting all the plaudits that he deserves.”

On Sunday Premier League leaders Liverpool play against Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Anfield tension could help City

Liverpool are only one point ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and are aiming to end a 29-year title drought.

Former Man City defender Pablo Zabaleta feels that the pressure on the Anfield club could help City retain the title.

Zabaleta told the BBC: “When the team is not playing well, it seems the fans are a little bit tense. That can make it difficult for the players to concentrate and play well. Some of the Liverpool fans have been waiting for that Premier League medal.”

Pundits predict close finish

Current leaders Liverpool are tipped to win the Premier League title by just a single point according to players-turned-pundits Jamie Redknapp, Martin Keown and Chris Sutton.

Writing in the Daily Mail the trio are backing Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to edge out Pep Guardiola’s City by the finest of margins this season. All three say that Liverpool will finish with 95 points from 38 matches and City on 94.

Zidane in demand

Chelsea could face a battle with Italian champions Juventus to name Zinedine Zidane as their next manager.

The Sun says that Juve’s current boss Massimiliano Allegri is set to leave this summer and the Serie A side want former player Zidane to replace him.

Maurizio Sarri’s future at Stamford Bridge is still uncertain and the Sun claim that Chelsea have made Frenchman Zidane their top target.

Solskjaer in line for full-time job

ESPN reports that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the “only serious candidate” to become Manchester United’s next permanent manager.

The Norwegian has been caretaker boss at Old Trafford since the sacking of Jose Mourinho in December. Solskjaer has guided the Red Devils to an unbeaten run of 11 games in the Premier League.

Premier League fixtures

Saturday 2 March (3pm unless stated)

• Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal (12.30pm, live on BT Sport)
• AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
• Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Huddersfield Town
• Burnley vs. Crystal Palace
• Manchester United vs. Southampton
• Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Cardiff City
• West Ham United vs. Newcastle United (5.30pm, live on Sky Sports)

Sunday 3 March

• Watford vs. Leicester City (12pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Fulham vs. Chelsea (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Everton vs. Liverpool (4.15pm, live on Sky Sports)