Liverpool vs Villareal Predictions and Betting Tips
Seeking to down yet another European giant, Villarreal travel to Anfield for the first leg of their semifinals tie with Liverpool this Wednesday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
A 3-1 aggregate victory for the Reds in the 2016 Europa league semifinals would be first and only European double header in which both sides have gone against each other.
Highly-anticipated encounter on the cards
Months and weeks have gone by and Klopp's Reds are still in the discussion for an unprecedented quadruple this season. Following a brilliant first-leg performance against Benfica in the last 8 in Portugal, Liverpool was in a commanding position heading into the second leg. A much better return leg performance did stretch Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp and Co. proved to be too good for their opponents across both legs, thus, securing a semifinal spot for the third time in four seasons. Robertson and Origi were on target for Liverpool over the weekend in the Merseyside derby, thus, stretching their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games. This victory also allowed them to keep up with league leaders in Manchester City- the difference between the two sides still being a single point. The loss to Inter in the second leg of the last 16 stages represents Liverpool's only loss in all competitions since the turn of the year. This is the kind of form they head into this Wednesday's game with and it is then left to see whether Villarreal would be able to keep up with Klopp's well-oiled machine.
Villarreal getting the better of Juventus in the Round of 16 went under the radar given the kind of season the Turin giants have had, however, their performance against Bayern Munich in the last 8 was there for all to see. Unai Emery, being the European specialist that he is, led his side to a famous 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Ceramica. Heading into the second leg in Germany, the Yellow Submarine had it all to do and that they did as Samuel Chukwueze's late equalizer proved to be all they needed to secure a semifinals berth in the Champions League for the first time since the 2005/2006 season. Villarreal haven't had the best domestic season given that they're down in 7th on the standings, however, they've managed two wins and a draw in the three games since beating Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals first leg.
Liverpool vs Villarreal Team News
Liverpool possible starting XI:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz
Villarreal possible starting lineup:
Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Parejo, Coquelin, Capoue; Lo Celso; Chukwueze, Danjuma
Liverpool vs Villarreal Prediction: 2-0
Villarreal have no reason to fear as they make their way to Merseyside this Wednesday, especially given their away performances away at Juventus and Bayern Munich. However, Liverpool has proved to be one of the best sides in Europe and we're backing them to secure a first-leg advantage this Wednesday.
