Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield on Tuesday, October 20 (3:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM CT / 12:00 PM PT).
Liverpool have no absences flagged for this one, meaning the group that delivered a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid should be available again. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister both scored in that game, with Szoboszlai also leading the side with 5 created chances, while Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz add further attacking threat through the middle. Villarreal are also without any flagged absences; Georges Mikautadze, Tani Oluwaseyi and Gerard Moreno all carry goal involvement from the opening weeks, and centre-back Álvaro Mouriño, who has already scored twice, offers a threat of his own at set pieces.
The underlying numbers point to Liverpool dictating the tempo without being stretched at the back. Their opening performance showed real midfield control through Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, and with Araujo and Isak also chipping in creatively, this sets up as a controlled home performance rather than an end-to-end affair. Villarreal’s last outing ended in a 3-2 loss at Dortmund, with Mikautadze and Oluwaseyi both on the scoresheet — proof of attacking endeavour but also of a defence that can be exposed on the road. Expect Liverpool’s control to translate into goals at one end and a quiet night for the visitors at the other.
Liverpool vs Villarreal: Best Bets & Predictions
Liverpool's midfield control meets a Villarreal side still searching for away-day solidity.
Our approach: we blend each side's points total and most recent result with underlying player data — shots, chances created, assists, minutes — into a single projected scoreline, then build the Result, Correct Score, Both Teams to Score, Over/Under 2.5 and Anytime Goalscorer picks from that same model.
Odds correct at time of writing and shown in American format for illustration; your local odds may vary. 19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC). Please play responsibly. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON).
Season Form & Standings
Liverpool sit on 3 points from 1 game, a win that came with a +1 goal difference, while Villarreal also have 3 points but from 2 matches, having won 1 and lost 1 for a +1 goal difference of their own.
Champions League
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
| Liverpool | 15 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
Liverpool vs Villarreal Predicted Lineups
Predicted XI — updated for the latest team news.
Liverpool
4-2-3-1Villarreal
4-4-2Potential Match-Winners
- Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): Scored in the opening-day win over Atletico Madrid and leads Liverpool’s created chances with 5 — the deepest playmaking influence in this side.
- Alexander Isak (Liverpool): Didn’t get on the scoresheet in the opener but set up a goal and created 2 chances across 88 minutes — the focal point of Liverpool’s attack.
- Georges Mikautadze (Villarreal): Georges Mikautadze has a goal and an assist from his opening 153 minutes, firing 4 shots along the way — Villarreal’s most dangerous forward outlet.
Recent Form
Liverpool: W
- 2026-09-09: Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid (W, home)
Liverpool’s only game so far produced a 2-1 home win over Atletico Madrid, with Szoboszlai and Mac Allister both scoring on September 9.
Villarreal: L
- 2026-09-08: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Villarreal (L, away)
Villarreal’s most recent outing ended in a 3-2 defeat away at Borussia Dortmund on September 8, with Mikautadze and Oluwaseyi scoring in a losing cause.
Liverpool vs Villarreal Prediction
This looks like a game Liverpool control from start to finish without needing to force it. Liverpool sit on 3 points from 1 game with a +1 goal difference, and a deeper spread of attacking contributors than Villarreal can call upon. Villarreal, also on 3 points but from 2 matches after a 3-2 defeat at Dortmund, have not yet found the away-day solidity to match their home form. Anfield should see a routine evening in which the home side scores twice and shuts the game down. Liverpool to win 2-0 is the call here.