Liverpool host Villarreal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals on April 27, when Premier League top-scorer Mohamed Salah and his Anfield teammates are likely to face a tough test against former Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s defensively astute Liga side.
Villarreal will look to replicate their shock win against 2020 champions Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. They won the home leg 1-0 through Arnaut Danjuma’s early strike, then recovered from Robert Lewandowski levelling the tie to earn a 1-1 draw through Samuel Chukwueze’s late goal in Germany.
The Reds will hope to be less generous than they were in the second leg of their quarterfinal, when Benfica earned a 3-3 draw at Anfield with two late goals after Roberto Firmino’s double had put Liverpool 6-2 ahead in the tie.
An intriguing clash of styles looks on the cards in a game that could move Jurgen Klopp’s team closer to a quadruple of trophies, as they seek to add the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League title to their EFL Cup triumph. Want to watch? Here’s how.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Villarreal
| UK | USA | Canada | Australia | |
| Date | April 27 | April 27 | April 27 | April 27 |
| Time | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET | 15:00 ET | 05:00 AET |
| TV channel | BT Sport 2 | CBS | DAZN | Stan Sport |
| Streaming | BT Sport | Paramount+ | DAZN | Stan Sport |
In the US, Spanish-language coverage of the Champions League is available on fuboTV, which also offers a free trial to new subscribers.
In Canada, every Champions League game streams live on DAZN.
Liverpool vs. Villarreal predicted line-ups
The only doubt for Liverpool is Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian missed their 4-0 win at home to Manchester United on Tuesday with a foot injury he suffered in the 3-2 FA Cup semifinal victory over Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
Klopp may not be unduly concerned if Firmino is missing, given that Salah scored twice against United and Mane added to the scoreline, having netted a double against City. Back-up striker Divock Origi scored in the 2-0 win over Everton at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.
Liverpool predicted line-up (4-3-3): Alisson (GK) – Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson – Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcántara – Salah, Jota, Mane
Several Reds players sent messages of support to Alberto Moreno after the former Liverpool defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear against Osasuna in March. He remains sidelined.
Gerard Moreno, who has provided 12 goals and seven assists for his club so far this season, has a hamstring problem, and his absence would be a major blow to Villarreal’s prospects of causing an upset.
Villarreal predicted line-up (3-1-3-3): Rulli (GK) – Foyth, Albiol, Torres – Estupiñan – Parejo, Capoue, Coquelin – Lo Celso, Alcácer, Danjuma
Liverpool vs. Villarreal betting odds
If Villarreal are to win the Champions League, they will have done it by being considerable underdogs at each stage of the knockout phase – and the bookmakers’ prices for this first leg reflect the relative fortunes of each side.
While the Yellow Submarine are on an impressive five-match unbeaten run, including three wins, they are only seventh in La Liga and face opponents who have lost one of their last 25 matches, putting Liverpool a point behind City in a thrilling Premier League title race.
| USA (DraftKings) |
Canada (Sports Interaction) |
UK (SkyBet) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool win | -350 | -426 | -400 |
| Draw | +475 | +452 | +500 |
| Villarreal win | +1100 | +800 | +1000 |
| Over/under 3.5 goals |
+145 / -170 | +132 / -185 | +138 / -188 |
| Both teams to score Y/N |
+100 / -130 | -159 / +101 | +110 / -125 |
| Liverpool -1.5 | -115 | +112 | — |
| Villarreal +1.5 | +105 | -143 | — |
Picks odds via DraftKings
