Liverpool news: Charlie Nicholas names two players responsible for the Champions League race

Charlie Nicholas believes that Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane are responsible for the survival of the Liverpool Premier League and the Champions League in a grueling two weeks at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds had seven points clear of defending rivals Manchester City in early January but have lost a number of points since coming down to second place in the Premier League.

On Wednesday night, Liverpool had qualified for the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich, a Bundesliga giant, at the Allianz Arena.

Senegalese striker Mane scored twice in the final draw to bring his total to ten goals in his last ten appearances.

And Gunners hero Nicholas said Mane – with defenseman Van Dijk – amounted to £ 75 million – held Liverpool together during a difficult time for the club.

"It's a fantastic result in Munich, but it could have a cost," Nicholas told Sky Sports. "Yes, you are in the draw and you deserve to be there, but it was not a good performance.

"Bayern was terrible, Liverpool was a little better. Sadio Mane is the man, not Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino.

"Virgil van Dijk and Mane are both helping them overcome this situation and I am not convinced by their midfield either."

Liverpool will face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, knowing that the victory will allow them to return to above City, which will then have a match less.

And Nicholas added, "I think Fulham left with Huddersfield. It's a little bit of pride, but I do not know what Scott Parker can do to make sure nothing happens.

"I'm waiting for Salah to return to the scoresheet this weekend.

"That relieves the burden of pressure [City not playing in the league this weekend] because they do not look very nervous.

"They are restless and frustrated, because when the first three play so well, they need someone else to pbad them on.

Jurgen Klopp was caught in the pressure by the situation, but good coaches can ease the burden.

"I think it will be a pretty comfortable statement [by Liverpool] and it will be a statement of intent to tell Man City "We're not leaving". "

Friday, Liverpool was to face Porto in the last eight of the Champions League.

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