Liverpool vs Villarreal: Predictions, odds & betting tips

The hosts should be too strong for the Liga side, but the visitors have enough firepower to get on the scoresheet on Merseyside

This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it

Liverpool welcome Villarreal to Anfield on Wednesday, as Jurgen Klopp's men aim to take a first-leg advantage in their Champions League semi-final.

The Reds are overwhelming favourites to make the final of the competition for a third time in five years but will be wary of Unai Emery's outfit, who have already knocked out Bayern Munich and Juventus, and are reigning Europa League champions following their victory over Manchester United last May.

Liverpool vs Villarreal latest odds

Article continues below

The hosts are offered at just 2/7 (1.28) with bet365 to claim a victory on Wednesday, although Liverpool have failed to win either home leg in their knockout ties in the competition so far, losing to Inter and drawing with Benfica.

Villarreal, meanwhile, can be backed at 9/1 (10.00) with the draw available at 9/2 (5.50).

Next matches

Liverpool vs Villarreal first goalscorer

Mohamed Salah is the favourite to break the deadlock, offered at just 3/1 (4.00) with Diogo Jota priced at 15/4 (4.75) and Luis Diaz at 11/2 (6.50).

Ibrahima Konate scored first in both legs of Liverpool's last-16 win over Benfica and the French defender is available at 20/1 (21.00) to open the scoring once more.

For the visitors, Arnaut Danjuma is enjoying a superb debut season in the Champions League, having netted six times in the tournament, and the Dutchman is priced at 10/1 (11.00) to score first at Anfield as he did against Bayern Munich in the previous round.

Liverpool vs Villarreal preview

Unai Emery will surely have a clear plan in place to try and pull off another giant-killing and the former Arsenal coach has masterminded some exceptional Villarreal performances in Europe over the last two seasons.

Whether the Yellow Submarine can compete with a Liverpool side at the peak of their powers remains to be seen, but the side from the east of Spain have certainly been in strong scoring form in the competition.

In 10 Champions League games this term they have failed to score only once and that blank came in a 2-0 home defeat by Manchester United where Villarreal spurned a number of glorious opportunities.

Liverpool should have too much firepower on Wednesday, but backing the visitors to score should certainly be of interest even if striker Gerard Moreno is likely to miss the game.

Liverpool vs Villarreal tips & predictions

The Reds have kept just three clean sheets in 10 Champions League matches this season and backing both teams to score with over 2.5 goals at 13/10 (2.30) looks like an attractive option.

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+. begambleaware.org