Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
Yet another Champions League semi-final awaits for Liverpool who must find a way past the Yellow Submarine headed for the final.
Unai Emery’s side have already knocked Bayern Munich and Juventus, and that alone should be enough to win the respect of the Reds if they hadn’t already. A lot is riding on this one. It’s vital for Jurgen Klopp to get off to the perfect start ahead of the return leg at El Madrigal, with a defeat in this one potentially at the price of handing Pep Guardiola the keys to a favourable Champions League final.
Here’s how we should line up:
A rest for Andy Robertson sees Kostas Tsimikas come in. For the home leg, I’d like to see Joel Matip maintain his place in the side as Liverpool look to dominate the game, but i’d go with Konate in the next round as Villarreal look to play more aggressively. Virgil and Trent Alexander-Arnold complete the back five with Alisson in goal.
Sharpness is important coming into these games now which means we’re going to need another hero run from Thiago and Fabinho. If they stay fit, anything is possible. Curtis Jones starts to complete the midfield trio.
Luis Diaz comes back in after his substitute appearance against Everton. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah complete the line up against a Villarreal side who can always upset the odds.
A strong start is massive here with Anfield being home to the first leg. If Liverpool go into the next match with a lead, Villarreal’s need to attack will play into Klopp’s hands who can pick them off on the counter-attack. That said, we should be able to lock up a solid advantage.
By Adam Brown @AdamMNVi
How does Ste think we will line up? Check out the starting XI prediction show below!
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