Jurgen Klopp Liverpool FC
Jurgen Klopp Liverpool FC

Liverpool picked up a 2-0 win against a stubborn Everton side on Sunday and next up, they have to face Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final.

The Anfield outfit are obviously the favourites to reach the final but Villarreal knocked out the mighty Bayern Munich in the previous round so they will be brimming with confidence. Also, Unai Emery will know all about Liverpool’s tactics from his time in the Premier League.

The last time these two sides met was at the semi-final of the Europa League back in the 2015/16 season and back then, Liverpool came out as the 3-1 overall winners. They have the quality and firepower to get back the Spanish side this time around as well but Villarreal go into the 1st leg, having not lost in 5 matches.

Unai Emery does not have the best of records when managing a team at Anfield and since the 1st leg will be in England, Liverpool will obviously have the upper hand in this tie. The home side are unbeaten in their previous 10 UCL matches and they will look to kill off the tie this week itself.

Liverpool team news vs Villarreal:

Jurgen Klopp has managed to reach this crunch part of the season without any major injury concerns. Roberto Firmino is the only doubt for the 1st leg as he is recovering from an ankle injury but this should not be an issue for the manager.

Ibrahima Konate has been the defender for the European nights and he will come into the side, replacing Joel Matip in central defence. Andy Robertson and TAA keep their place, as usual.

Jordan Henderson is another player who should be coming into the starting line up to feature alongside Thiago and Fabinho. This change would mean Naby Keita will move to the bench on Wednesday night

Thiago was a class apart against Manchester United and Everton and his pass finding ability will be key for Liverpool to break down Villarreal. Villarreal conceded just one goal vs Bayern across both the legs so they have the credentials to frustrate Liverpool’s attackers.

Mo Salah scored a brace against United and then provided an assist in the Merseyside Derby and the Egyptian has found form at the perfect time. He along with Sadio Mane are guaranteed starters this week.

The same cannot be said about Diogo Jota because Luis Diaz was exceptional for the 30 minutes he was on the pitch vs Everton and the January signing will most certainly come into the side.

With Diaz coming into the first XI, Sadio Mane will shift to the middle and will most probably play as the false-nine.

Recent form:

Liverpool: DDWWW

Villarreal: WDDWW

How to watch:

UK: BT Sport 2, BBC Radio 5 Live, BTSport.com, BT Sport App, BT Sport Ultimate

USA: Univision NOW, TUDN.com, TUDN App, Univision, Paramount+, CBS, TUDNxtra, TUDN USA, SiriusXM FC

India: JioTV, Sony LIV

Liverpool vs Villarreal odds:

Liverpool to win: 1.28

Draw: 5.5

Villarreal to win: 10

Liverpool predicted line up vs Villarreal:

Predicted Starting line up(4-3-3): Alisson; Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson, TAA; Henderson, Thiago, Fabinho; Luis Diaz, Sadio Mane, Mo Salah.

Liverpool predicted line up vs Villarreal-2022-UCL

Stats via Fotmob.

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