Villarreal vs Liverpool: Match Preview
Build-up to massive Europa League tie
Liverpool travel to Spain to face Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final first leg tonight, and it’s another massive game for Jurgen Klopp in his first season at Anfield.
It’s almost a miracle that Liverpool are in the semis, after somehow finding the 3 goals they needed in half an hour in the quarter final 2nd leg against Borussia Dortmund, sending Anfield crazy.
And now, Jurgen Klopp’s injury-plagued squad face Villarreal, who sit 4th in La Liga and have already beaten Barcelona and Sevilla this season. Klopp has never won a UEFA game in Spain before but will be looking to set that record straight and guide Liverpool to the final in Basel.
Liverpool will be without plenty of key players for Thursday night’s tie. Emre Can (ankle), Joe Gomez (knee), Jordan Henderson (knee), Divock Origi (ankle) and Danny Ings (knee) are will all miss out.
However, Christian Benteke is fit again and, despite not giving the most successful debut season at Anfield, gives Klopp another attacking option than just Daniel Sturridge, with Origi out for the season.
Meanwhile, Villarreal head coach Marcelino can boast about his side’s very strong home record throughout their Europa League campaign. ‘The Yellow Submarine’ have won every game in Europe at El Madrigal, conceding just one goal.
In La Liga, Villarreal have performed above expectations and are currently fourth in the league standings. However, they have failed to win their previous three league games.
This will be Liverpool’s fourth European semi-final against a Spanish side; they’ve progressed from two of those but were eliminated last time versus Atletico Madrid in the 2009/10 Europa League semi-finals.
Liverpool are 19/10 to win the game, while Villarreal are 8/5, making the home side the favourites to carry an advantage to Anfield next week.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
Villarreal vs Liverpool betting odds
Here are the best Villarreal vs Liverpool betting odds:
- Best odds Villarreal to win (1): 8/5
- Best odds draw (X): 11/15
- Best odds Liverpool to win (2): 19/10
- Goals over 2,5: 32/25
- Goals under 2,5: 5/8
- Money back if 0-0.
See the latest odds at bet365, Unibet and Ladbrokes!
| FREE LIVE STREAM |
FREE LIVE STREAM | FREE BET | ||||||
  |
+ 100% bonus | £50 Free bet |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||||
| Claim Here! | Claim Here! | Claim Here! |
