Liverpool have the chance to maintain their winning UEFA Champions League start when they welcome Villarreal to Merseyside on Tuesday evening.
The reds have registered back-to-back wins in the Champions League, putting them in fourth place on the log ahead of matchday three.
Their 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure, before a thrilling 6-3 win away to LASK Linz underlined their attacking potential.
Villarreal arrive after a crucial 3-1 Champions League victory over Napoli, setting things straight after an opening night defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
The yellow submarine come into the game in 14th place, hoping they can avoid defeat to continue their steady rise up the table.
However, Villarreal have lost their last six away matches in European competition and have conceded first in each of their last seven Champions League away fixtures.
Both sides have only lost once in their last five matches in all competitions, setting this up to be a potential blockbuster encounter.
We have a look at both sides ahead of the game and offer our predicted outcome.
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What time is Liverpool vs Villarreal?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at Anfield
Liverpool vs Villarreal team news
Dominik Szoboslai and Jeremie Frimpong are the latest injury concerns for the hosts and are both expected to sit this one out.
Cody Gakpo was left out of the weekend match as he continues to recover and may return to the starting lineup here.
Ryan Gravenberch is available as well after serving a suspension and could be brought in to start alongside Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.
Alexander Isak has been the most improved Liverpool forward and will lead the attacking line, supported by Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz.
As for the visitors, Nicolas Pepe could be the only main injury concern, but he is being monitored ahead of kick off.
Georges Mikautadze has been impressive in front of goal and will start in attack, as well as veteran forward Gerard Moreno.
There are no changes expected from Inigo Perez’ side.
Liverpool vs Villarreal head-to-head and current form
The historical record favours Liverpool, who have progressed against Villarreal in both of their previous European semi-final meetings.
The clubs first met in the 2015/16 Europa League semi-finals before facing each other in the 2021/22 Champions League semi-finals.
The reds have won three of the four meetings, losing just once.
Current form:
Liverpool – WWLWW
Villarreal – DWLWW
Liverpool vs Villarreal previous games
- Villarreal 2-3 Liverpool (May 3, 2022)
- Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal (April 27, 2022)
- Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal (May 5, 2016)
- Villarreal 1-0 Liverpool (April 28, 2016)
Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction
Liverpool’s home advantage, stronger European record against Spanish opposition and Villarreal’s poor away results make the home win the leading result-based selection
However, both teams have shown they can score, and Liverpool’s recent European fixtures have produced plenty of goals and this could be the case here as well.
Prediction – Liverpool to win – PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME HERE!