Manchester United and Everton, Liverpool’s two biggest rivals, have been conquered in the last week as Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
Where Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid is a meeting of two powerhouses of European football, Liverpool will surely have favoured being on this side of the draw.
That is not to say Unai Emery’s Villarreal will be easy opponents of course, particularly after they beat Juventus and Bayern Munich, but the game looks to be one in which Klopp’s team will be strong favourites.
Here’s everything you need to know about the semi-final tie…
Date, kick-off time and venue
Liverpool vs Villarreal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Wednesday April 27, 2022.
Anfield in Liverpool will host the match.
Where to watch Liverpool vs Villarreal
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultimate. Coverage begins at 7pm.
Live stream: BT Sport subscribers will also be able to watch the match online via the website or BT Sport app.
LIVE coverage: Get minute-by-minute updates through Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog. Malik Ouzia will be providing expert analysis from Anfield.
Liverpool vs Villarreal team news
Liverpool have little in the way of fresh injury concern, although Roberto Firmino looks likely to remain absent.
The Brazilian international missed the wins over Manchester United and Everton with a foot injury and although he’s now back working outside, is not expected to be fit for tonight.
“I don’t think [he is ready] yet,” said Klopp. “He is running outside and that’s good, obviously, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ [I will have] open arms, but I don’t think so.
“Apart from that, no [new injuries] that I know yet.”
Jordan Henderson started on the bench for Sunday’s Merseyside derby, along with Luis Diaz, and both made telling contributions, so could potentially come into the side.
For Villarreal, Gerard Moreno is absent in a major blow to Emery. Former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin, meanwhile, has recently returned to training.
Liverpool vs Villarreal prediction
Villarreal have proven to be a hugely difficult opponent and one capable of hitting teams on the break.
Liverpool, however, have so many different points of attack, it’s hard to see them not scoring.
Liverpool 2-1 Villarreal.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Liverpool wins: 1
Draws: 0
Villarreal wins: 1