Liverpool will be hoping to avoid the same fate as fellow European heavyweights Juventus and Bayern Munich when they play host to giant-killers Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday.
The Reds are unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 games in the Champions League, but will have to guard against complacency against a team that has upset the odds to make the last four for just the second time in their history. Villarreal’s previous appearance in the semifinals of Europe’s elite club competition ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 aggregate loss to Arsenal.
Villarreal boss Unai Emery is famed for his record in European knockout ties; teams managed by the Spaniard have advanced 31 times out of 37 attempts. But his record against Liverpool does not make for great reading. The Reds have lost to a side managed by Emery just once, with the Spaniard faltering on each of his last three visits to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp does not have any fresh injury concerns ahead of the game. Roberto Firmino is closing in on full fitness, but will miss out on this game.
Jordan Henderson, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz are all pushing for starts after being left out against Everton at the weekend.
Goalkeeper
Alisson will start in goal for the Reds against Villarreal. The Brazilian has kept back-to-back clean sheets after a run of four games without a shutout.
Defenders
Andy Robertson produced a rare goal in the 2-0 win against Everton and will continue at left-back ahead of Kostas Tsimikas, who has barely put a foot wrong this season.
Ibrahima Konate could be recalled to the Liverpool lineup in place of Joel Matip at centre-back. The Frenchman scored in both legs against Benfica in the previous round. He will partner Virgil Van Dijk, who remains a rock in the Liverpool backline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will start on the right as always.
Midfielders
Thiago has been in stellar form of late, exerting tremendous influence over games with his passing and composure. His passing range and vision will be key against a Villarreal side expected to sit back and absorb pressure.
Jordan Henderson was named on the bench against Everton and could return to the Liverpool lineup for this game, replacing Naby Keita.
Fabinho will complete Liverpool’s formidable midfield trio. The Brazilian is an integral figure in the center of the park, always at hand to break up opposition attacks.
Attackers
With Firmino ruled out, Sadio Mane could lead the line for Klopp’s side. The Senegalese has netted thrice in the Champions League this season and should be fresh for this game, having been withdrawn at the hour mark against Everton.
Mohamed Salah will continue on the right flank. The Egyptian is going through a drought of sorts, having netted just twice in his last seven appearances in all competitions. But his tally of eight goals in the Champions League makes him the fourth-highest scorer in the competition this season.
Luis Diaz is expected to be reinstated at left flank after starting from the bench against Everton. Diaz has hit the ground running following his arrival from Porto and will have an important role to play in the Merseyside club’s quest for a quadruple.
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