Liverpool aim to reach a third Champions League final in five years and boost their hopes of winning a quadruple when they host Villarreal at Anfield in the first leg of their semi-final.
History is against the Yellow Submarines. The club has only participated in the competition on four occasions and have only progressed as far as the semi-final once before, in 2005-06 when they were beaten by Arsenal.
But despite being overwhelming underdogs, Unai Emery has steered his side to the final four, defeating European heavyweights Juventus and Bayern Munich along the way. Villarreal conceded a combined two goals in their four knockout ties, despite facing 66 shots.
Villarreal have the third-best defensive record in La Liga but are currently seventh in the table, outside of the European places, which explains why Premier League title-chasing Liverpool are the favourites to progress to the final in Paris.
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How Grealish vs Savic led to an ugly tunnel brawl after Atletico's clash with Man City14 April, 2022Villarreal will have to be at their best defensively to keep Liverpool subdued, given Jurgen Klopp’s side has netted 85 goals in 33 league games, largely thanks to Mo Salah’s 35 goal contributions (22 goals, 13 assists).
Stopping Salah is a challenge in itself, but Villarreal will also have to be wary of the threat posed by Diogo Jota (who has scored 21 goals) and Sadio Mane (19) too. Luis Diaz, who has been a revelation since signing from Porto in January, is also in contention to start after a lively cameo against Everton on Sunday.
The Reds also have the Premier League’s second-best defence only conceding 22 goals. Villarreal progressed beyond Juventus and Bayern despite having exactly half as many shots as their opponents and they will have to be similarly clinical to get the better of Liverpool.
How to watch Liverpool vs Villarreal
Date: Wednesday 27 April
Kick-off: 8pm
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
TV channel: BT Sport 2
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers can stream the game on the BT Sport app
But with star striker Gerard Moreno recovering from a muscle injury sustained against Getafe earlier this month, Emery needs to formulate a plan to defeat Liverpool without his attacking figurehead.
“We have been managing our efforts since last Tuesday,” said Emery after Villarreal’s 2-0 win over local rivals Valencia last Tuesday. “Today, three of the players who played on Saturday played again.
“We have tried to find answers in the squad and we are satisfied. We had a setback with Gerard on Saturday, let’s hope it’s short so he can make it against Liverpool.”
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Klopp’s squad, once plagued by injuries, is in good shape. Roberto Firmino is the only key player set to miss out after picking up a foot issue in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
“I don’t think [he is ready] yet,” said Klopp. “He is running outside and that’s good, obviously, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ [I will have] open arms, but I don’t think so.
“Apart from that, no [new injuries] that I know yet.”
Liverpool predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Thiago, Keita; Salah, Diaz, Jota
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