Villarreal vs Liverpool predicted XIs: Team news as Klopp’s most important player is revealed (and it’s not Salah)
Liverpool travel to Villarreal on Tuesday night looking to preserve their 2-0 aggregate lead from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie (8pm kick-off, UK time).
It was a thoroughly comprehensive win for Jurgen Klopp’s men at Anfield last week as they systematically broke down a defence-minded Villarreal. The goal fortuitously came through a wicked deflection from Villarreal left-back Pervis Estupinan, but it was a deserved lead for the hosts. Sadio Mane then struck shortly after to give the Reds a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into this semi-final second leg against Unai Emery’s side.
Villarreal vs Liverpool betting tips from Squawka Bet
- Mohamed Salah over 1.5 shots on target @6/5 with bet365
- Liverpool win and most corners, Villarreal most cards @10/3 with Bet UK
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Villarreal team news vs Liverpool: Danjuma doubtful
- Ins: Raul Albiol
- Outs: Alberto Moreno, Yeremi Pino
- Doubts: Arnaut Danjuma, Gerard Moreno, Francis Coquelin
Veteran centre-back Raul Albiol was nowhere to be seen at the weekend, but the captain will be hopeful of returning to the side for this crucial clash. Elsewhere, Alberto Moreno and Yeremi Pino are confirmed absentees, while there are still doubts about Gerard Moreno and Francis Coquelin. Arnaut Danjuma missed Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Alaves and now faces a race to be fit for Tuesday.
| Club | Paddy Power | 888Sport | Sky Bet |
| Liverpool | 4/9 | - | 1/2 |
| Real Madrid | 7/5 | - | 13/8 |
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Predicted Villarreal XI vs Liverpool:
- Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Capoue, Parejo; Trigueros, Lo Celso, Chukwueze; Dia. (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool team news vs Villarreal: Firmino Reds’ only concern
- Ins: Curtis Jones, Kostas Tsimikas, Divock Origi
- Outs: Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino remains sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury, meaning Klopp has a rare clean bill of health save for the Brazilian forward. Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas recently returned to action following illness, while Divock Origi is also back in contention after picking up a bug.
Klopp is almost certainly set to name Mohamed Salah up front, arguably the most important cog in his system, though that is not a sentiment shared by former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur forward Garth Crooks, who has named a more vital player for the German.
He wrote in his ‘Team of the Week’ column for BBC Sport following Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Newcastle: “Another clean sheet and another enjoyable day at the office for Virgil Van Dijk. I thought this was an extraordinary performance by Liverpool.
“Having played Villareal in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, travelling to Newcastle for a 12:30pm kick-off at St James’ Park three days later and coming away with a victory – bearing in mind the form Newcastle have been in – was outstanding.
“As for Van Dijk, you can read in ‘Crooks of the Matter’ why I think the Football Writers’ Association have selected the wrong Liverpool player for their prestigious Footballer of the Year award.”
| Club | Chance | 888Sport | Sky Bet |
| Manchester City | 80.46% | 1/7 | 1/7 |
| Liverpool | 19.54% | 9/2 | 9/2 |
Probability % provided by StatsPerform |
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You have to be 18+ to gamble. All odds within this article are accurate at the time of writing (10:00, 20/05/2022). BeGambleAware.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Villarreal:
- Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Mane, Diaz. (4-3-3)
