Liverpool vs. Villarreal: Unai Emery's Giant-slaying Team Looking to Keep Fairytale Run Alive

April 25, 2022
Benson Chikezie

UEFA Champions League 2021/2022
Playoffs: Semi-final 1st Leg
Anfield, Liverpool

Liverpool Liverpool
00 Day
00 Hr
00 Min
00 Sec
Villarreal Villarreal

Villarreal will travel to the Anfield fortress as they take on high-flying Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on April 28 at 00:30 IST. In only the third competitive meeting between both sides, Liverpool are chasing a historic quadruple. At the same time, Villarreal have had an amazing Champions League run and can dream of getting their hands on the most prestigious trophy in Europe.

Teams Status

We bring you the latest form and team news from Liverpool and Villarreal:

Liverpool Form and Team News

The Merseyside Derby has come and gone, with Liverpool securing all three points in a 2-0 victory. They can now turn their attention to the visit of the Yellow Submarine, a side that have already defeated Juventus and Bayern Munich this season. 

Klopp’s men have only lost once in 2022, a one nil defeat to Inter Milan at Anfield, and are in impressive form as they have gone on to win eight times and drawn twice since that loss. They breezed past Benfica 6-4 on aggregate to secure a semi-final spot, and Mohammed Salah has been their standout performer in attack with eight UCL goals this season.

Roberto Firmino is doubtful to return in time for Villarreal’s visit as he is struggling to shake off a foot injury.

Villarreal Form and Team News

Since losing two league games in succession, Villarreal have recorded three wins and two draws, including a historic victory at home to Bayern Munich. Emery’s squad have been on steroids this year, eliminating Juventus and Bayern to set up this meeting with Liverpool.

Villarreal have decent form away from home, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five away fixtures. Forward Arnaut Danjuma has been a revelation this season with six goals and one assist.

For injuries and suspensions, Alberto Moreno will be unavailable to face his former team as he is currently sidelined with an injury. Francis Coquelin and Gerard Moreno are also injured and will not travel to Liverpool.

What Do the Sportsbooks Say?

100% Bonus up to ₹8,000
Play Now

Liverpool are strong favorites to emerge victorious as they host Villarreal, with the odds for their victory placed at 1.28 on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook, 1.32 on Paripesa, and 1.32 odds on the Melbet sportsbook.

For a draw, the odds are 5.80, 6.2, and 6.2 odds, respectively, and the odds for Villarreal to win are available in three sportsbooks at 10.80, 10, and 10, respectively.


Tipster’s Angle

Liverpool triumphed on aggregate when both teams met in the Europa League by three goals to one, and with their fine form, they have a huge chance of getting a statement victory. With Mohammed Salah retaining his scoring form, Villarreal have an uphill task to overcome Liverpool. Here are our tips for this fixture:

Tip: Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.18

Salah, Mane, Jota, Diaz, and other attacking talents at Liverpool are in great form, tearing teams apart in the EPL. The Reds have scored at least two goals in 9 out of 10 straight matches, and over 1.5 goals is available in on the Parimatch sportsbook at 1.18 odds. 

Tip: Liverpool to Win @ 1.32

Klopp’s side will be hoping to continue their winning streak, three matches in a row now, and avoid the loopholes that helped Villarreal overcome Juventus and Bayern Munich.

We expect a victorious Liverpool at the end of regular time, and the odds for this outcome is 1.32 on the Melbet sportsbook.

Conclusion

Unai Emery’s men have been rebels this season, especially in the Champions League, and pose a potential threat to Liverpool’s quadruple ambitions. We expect an open football match with chances aplenty for both teams.

Comments 0 Comments

Anonymous