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Liverpool vs Villarreal: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Liverpool vs Villarreal: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Liverpool and Villarreal Face Off in Champions League Clash

Tuesday’s Champions League meeting between Liverpool and Villarreal marks their first encounter since the 2021–22 semifinals. Both teams enter this match with momentum, as Liverpool come off two consecutive wins, while Villarreal aims to continue improving under new leadership.

Managerial Reunion at Anfield

Andoni Iraola leads Liverpool, facing a familiar opponent on the sidelines in Iñigo Pérez, who now manages Villarreal. Pérez was Iraola’s assistant at Rayo Vallecano before taking over at Villarreal in June 2023. Pérez previously guided Rayo to the Conference League final last season and has already secured Villarreal’s first Champions League win since 2022 by defeating Napoli 3–1 last week. Despite Villarreal sitting mid-table in La Liga, their recent European form shows promise.

Liverpool’s Strong Start to the Season

The six-time European champions have opened their Champions League group with two wins, including a narrow 2–1 victory against Atlético Madrid at Anfield and an emphatic 6–3 win over LASK. They continued their good form with a comeback win against Brentford in the Premier League. Although still adjusting under Iraola, Liverpool’s results have been encouraging so far.

Score Prediction: Liverpool to Secure Home Victory

This fixture is special for both managers, who share a close friendship. Iraola called the match a “privilege” but admitted it would feel “a little bit strange” to face Pérez, who knows his tactics well. Still, Villarreal faces a tough task at Anfield, where Liverpool rarely lose in Europe.

The last time these clubs met, Liverpool won their semifinal tie 5–2 on aggregate but fell to Real Madrid in the final. Historically, they have met only four times competitively, with Liverpool winning three of those matches. Villarreal’s only win came in a Europa League semifinal first leg at home in 2016 before Liverpool advanced after a 3–0 away win.

Villarreal’s Scoring Struggles

Villarreal ranks 12th in La Liga largely due to inefficient finishing. Opta data shows that despite generating the third highest expected goals (xG) behind Barcelona and Real Madrid, they have scored only 13 goals from an xG of 19.49 across nine matches. This suggests the team should improve offensively but remains unreliable in attack right now.

The Impact of Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s record signing, is emerging as a key player. Returning from injury, he recently scored the winning goal and has already netted five times this season in under 600 minutes. His presence up front will be vital for Liverpool’s hopes.

Predicted Scoreline

  • Liverpool 2–0 Villarreal

Expected Liverpool Lineup

Andoni Iraola confirmed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong will miss this match due to injuries. Szoboszlai’s hamstring remains an issue, while Frimpong sustained a new injury. Ryan Gravenberch is set to return to midfield after a suspension, having impressed prior to his booking against Manchester City.

Iraola might rotate some players, possibly resting Bradley Barcola, but Isak is expected to lead the attack. Liverpool’s long-term absentees Hugo Ekitiké, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.

  • Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Muñoz, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak

Expected Villarreal Lineup

Pérez retains the 4-4-2 formation favored by his predecessor Marcelino. Villarreal will likely deploy two banks of four defensively.

Canada’s Tajon Buchanan misses out with a hamstring injury, and Nicolas Pépé is sidelined following eye surgery. Pérez is expected to rely on Georges Mikautadze and veteran Gerard Moreno to spearhead the attack. Nathan Saliba, involved in a recent incident with Vinícius Júnior, is expected to feature in midfield, while Portuguese defender Renato Veiga will line up at the back.

  • Villarreal Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Júnior; Mouriño, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Saliba, Comesaña, Gueye, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze

Match Details

  • Location: Liverpool, England
  • Stadium: Anfield
  • Date: Tuesday, October 20
  • Kickoff Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
  • Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
  • VAR: Piotr Lasyk (POL)

Broadcast Information

  • United States: Paramount+, ViX
  • Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada
  • Mexico: Space Mexico, Max Mexico
  • United Kingdom: Amazon Prime Video

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